IT Technical Specialist IV – Sr Web Developer – 517354

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Based on Qualifications

Department/Organization: 219101 – University Libraries

Normal Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Job Summary: The IT Technical Specialist IV performs advanced IT activities for specialized, complex and/or functional areas requiring the expert knowledge and professional application of IT principles, practices and techniques in accordance with industry standards and university policy. Requires a great amount of evaluation, originality or ingenuity. May be responsible for training, assisting or supervising lower level IT personnel and other staff. May lead projects and cross-functional activities.

Additional Department Summary: Will design, develop, and support complex public facing library web applications according to industry standards, best practices, and local requirements. Will perform systems analysis for understanding business needs and translating them into functioning programing code. Will work with specialized library applications, multiple content management systems, third-party applications, and open-source tools. Specifically, the successful candidate will work with the FOLIO Library Services Platform (in which we are a beta development partner), integrations between systems on and off campus for real-time data exchanges through RESTful APIs, and developmental tools and support the discovery, delivery, and use of information resources. This work is accomplished in a team environment where all are expected to maintain currency with best practices for software development, coding, system administration, version management, and documentation.

Candidate is expected to work independently with minimal supervision. Will guide several projects simultaneously. Additionally, the successful candidate will collaborate with other library technology staff, librarians, library staff, campus IT, and open-source communities. May supervise the work of junior programmers. The position will also be the technical programing lead for the Alabama Digital Humanities, and Institutional Repository teams. The position will work closely with both departments to ensure the supported web applications are functioning as expected and the position will develop enhancements as required. The position will write frontend and backend code to support DSpace, Open Journal System, WordPress, and customized (non-WordPress) dynamic websites. The position will also act as the backup Linux Server Administrator for the organization. They will assist with troubleshooting issues, patching systems, implementing configuration changes to server services, and documentation. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree and one (1) year of IT experience; OR Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of IT experience; OR Associate’s degree and five (5) years of IT experience; OR High School Diploma or GED and seven (7) years of IT experience. Knowledge of advanced programming, networking, system, multimedia, instructional or security technology skills or knowledge of project management methods and applications. May require advanced level training or certification.

Skills and Knowledge: 

• Demonstrated experience developing, supporting, and administrating mission-critical library systems that are highly customized, such as ArchivesSpace, DSpace, VuFind, WordPress, and LOCKSS.
• Experience developing and managing legacy code and supporting infrastructure in an R1 academic environment
• Experience writing advanced programming code in HTML/XML/JSON/CSS; Experience writing code that leverages databases, such as MySQL, MS SQL, or PostgreSQL.
• Experience supporting web applications in a Linux environment, such as SuSE Enterprise, CentOS, or RedHat.
• Experience providing system administration oversight for mission-critical Linux servers.
• Experience utilizing GitHub to manage codebase or similar repository.
• Must be fluent in Java and at least one other high-level programming language and be willing to learn other languages as needed (prefer Ruby).
• Must be proficient in scripting languages, such as PHP and JavaScript.
• Must have experience developing for Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP (LAMP) systems.
• Familiarity with system administration principles.
• Experience developing in Vue.js, Nuxt.js, and Angular.js frameworks.
• Must demonstrate a track record of creative solutions to IT challenges.
• Extensive problem-solving skills are required for this position.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills, strong service orientation, interest in understanding and meeting user needs, initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 5 years of directly related experience to systems analysis and programming.
• Extensive experience (3+years) implementing and supporting open-source library tool/applications such as Open Journal Systems, ArchivesSpace, DSpace, or Omeka.
• Experience managing and working with staff.
• Experience with institutional repository software, including software installation, setup, configuration, and maintenance.
• Experience with WordPress and writing plugins. Familiarity with project management and team productivity tools, such as Asana, Trello, and Slack.
• Experience utilizing Jira Service Management platform
• Link to your code repository profile (GitHub/Bitbucket)

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. “EEO is the Law” Poster