The University of Arizona Libraries is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and dedicated professional proficient in software development to join our highly collaborative team. In this role you'll discover user needs and develop and implement creative solutions that support the success of students, faculty, and staff.
Initially you'll launch a new GeoBlacklight (Ruby on Rails)-based portal and plan for its sustainability. You'll also help build and maintain our portfolio of LAMP-stack based applications, content management systems, and library-specific software.
Agile and lean software development approaches are fundamental to our culture, and you'll have opportunities to influence how we manage our day-to-day workflow with Kanban and user stories. You will be encouraged to explore and test new tools, technologies, and methods to continuously improve the efficiency of the unit and the quality of its products, and you'll have regular opportunities to share and refine ideas with other team members.
We are a large academic library providing a broad range of collections and services while supporting diverse audience segments, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, community users, and donors. We strive to build elegant, intuitive products that help users achieve their academic and personal goals. Our environment is supportive, collaborative, consensus-driven, and we value continuous learning. Visit the University Libraries website to learn more about us.
This position reports to the Manager of the Software & Web Development Unit in the Technology Strategy and Services (TeSS) department.
Hybrid work arrangement possible.
Characteristic Duties:
- Plans, creates, modifies, and extends complex web applications, web content management systems, and other systems.
- Helps build and maintain the library’s portfolio of LAMP-stack based applications, content management systems, and library-specific software.
- Responds to service requests, incidents, and other critical, unplanned needs related to applications in portfolio. Performs preventive maintenance, such as CMS patching.
- Collaborates with team members to improve varied application portfolio.
- Performs feasibility research and requirements gathering to prepare for upcoming application modifications.
- Participates in professional development to continuously improve technical skills and knowledge of field.
- The UA Libraries support the UA’s diversity and inclusiveness strategic initiatives designed to create an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. The candidate is expected to support diversity and inclusiveness efforts in the department and college.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- General knowledge and use of principles, theories, and concepts of programming and application development
- General understanding of IT industry practices, techniques, and standards
- Ability to think critically, pay attention to minute details, and follow complex steps
- Skill in requirements analysis and user story development
- Skill in writing application code according to industry best practices
- Skill in testing application code
- Skill in debugging application code
- Skill in sharing expertise with other developers
- General understanding of web application development
- General understanding of web content management systems
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives
- Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Significant experience with:
- Ruby on Rails web application framework
- Full stack web development
- An object-oriented programming language (e.g., Ruby, PHP, Python)
- Agile software development principles
- Issue tracking
- Linux
- Version control
Some experience with:
- Web technology related to GIS, especially GeoBlacklight (https://geoblacklight.org/)
- Current IT security practices and protocols
- Project management best practices
- Typical library technologies (e.g., search and discovery tools, digital repository and collections software, digital preservation tools)
- Typical IT software processes involving servers, software installation, and software updates