Developer

Description

Job Summary:

Develops, codes, tests, and debugs new software or enhancements to existing software ‘particularly in the areas of library digital preservation, metadata, collections, discovery, scholarly projects, and repository services (Fedora/Hydra).  Typically works with senior staff, but may coordinate smaller or less complex projects independently.  Designs and implements basic technical solutions ensuring that business needs and requirements are met.  Performs basic system integration tasks. Provides estimation for assigned tasks. Depending on level of experience and skills the position will be either senior or intermediate level with appropriate compensation.

Please Note: This position is a two-year term position, subject to renewal.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Participates in the development of new goals and strategies based on interactions with primary user.
• Develops plans for software deployment on heterogeneous systems.
• Collaborates with user to develop work flow and best practices.
• Partners with user in designing features for technology.
• Participates in a collaborative agile team environment to map out and update stories and tasks for iterative work.

Administration

• Responds to library staff inquiries via phone, online, in-person, etc.
• Creates and maintains code documentation.
• Grants system access to new user. 
• Evaluates feature/upgrade/change requests and recommends action.
• Participates in interview process for new hires.
• Identifies database and software performance issues, and makes adjustments.
• Works with DevOps SysAdmins to deploy code and resolve production problems.

Development

• Researches and develops new algorithms and statistical techniques designed for analyzing data based on customer needs.
• Develops and maintains software infrastructure, via patches, bundles, releases and maintenance packs.
• Codes software applications adhering to designs supporting internal business requirements or external user for use with the library streaming media (Avalon Media System) platform, digital repository, library services platforms, search technologies, data management and preservation systems, and scholarly projects.
• Designs databases and data structures.
• Prioritizes tasks within project.
• Meets with business analyst/stakeholder to determine requirements.
• Opens tickets with vendors.
• Adheres to the Library's quality assurance standards and follows best practices.
• Collaborates with others inside and outside of the University on software projects facilitating open source and other cooperative contributions.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as computer science, information technology, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.  
• 2 years relevant experience for intermediate level, 4+ years’ experience considered a senior level.
• Experience with enterprise applications: Digital repository
• Experience with programming languages and frameworks: JavaScript, RubyOnRails, XML, Ruby or other object-oriented programming languages
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, problem solving, troubleshooting
• Project skills including agile environment, code documentation, collaboration and teamwork, facilitate collaboration, iterative & incremental development, organizational skills, planning

Minimum Competencies:

• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
• Is open to change and responds by adapting work methods and behaviors; pays attention to changing circumstances and adapts to them.
• Identifies and analyzes significant problems and opportunities; relates and compares data from different sources.
• Consistently displays accuracy and attention to detail
• Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; respects the needs and contributions of others.
• Successfully uses multiple software programs independently.  Software may include Microsoft Office, applications such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access, email, web browsers, and Peoplesoft.
• Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.
• Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
• Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.
• Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Actively listens to others' opinions and ideas; respects and seeks to understand differences in opinions.
• Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Striving for excellence with our work processes and outcomes, honoring University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose among various participants in an engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or a related field.
• Prior development experience with workflow software.
• Familiarity with authentication/credential systems such as Shibboleth, Active Directory, and/or LDAP.
• Experience with Library metadata standards such as METS, MODS, MARC, PREMIS, MIX, and/or Dublin Core.
• Knowledge of various types of audio, video, image, text, and other media formats.
• Experience with database technologies (such as MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and the SQL language) on enterprise level systems.
• Knowledge of MVC web development frameworks, particularly Ruby on Rails.
• Experience with repository software (such as DSpace, Greenstone, or Fedora).
• Current or prior involvement with open source software project(s), as either code contributor or maintainer.
• Experience with Library IT or IT in a higher education environment.

Preferred Competencies:

• Trains people for current assignment and develops them for promotion; uses feedback and personal example to encourage higher performance.
• Being helpful, respectful, and approachable and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Honoring University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Deals effectively, not just with concrete tangible issues, but also with abstract conceptual matters.
• Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer.
• Follows and teaches others to follow a process/method for problem solving.
• Stays current on technical/professional information; identifies methods for improving work procedures or systems; solicits feedback from customers, peers and superiors.
• Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly.
• Motivates others to buy into ideas, able to engage others in looking at a situation in a new way.
• Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check.  Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.