Front-end Developer

Description

IT Specialist II (Front End Developer)

DEPARTMENT Digital Initiatives

POSITION TYPE Exempt Staff

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Description

This position will serve as the primary front end web developer for the Libraries. As front-end developer, this position will collaborate with Marketing and Communications to write and develop code based on mockups from designers for web frameworks and applications in use by the Libraries. Furthermore, this position is responsible for ensuring that all websites adhere to the University’s style guide, developing and maintaining web themes for frameworks including Drupal and WordPress, and ensuring that all websites meet the university’s standards for accessibility. The position will also collaborate with other developers in Digital Initiatives to design and document front-end best practices and ensure that all websites are responsive. As part of code development, the position will participate in regression and performance testing of the Libraries’ websites and web applications to ensure an optimal user experience.  This position is telework eligible.

Responsibilities & Duties

Web Development / Programming

• Oversee the implementation of the University’s web standards and branding to all library web applications and webpages as specified at http://brand.utk.edu.
• Develop and maintain web themes for WordPress, Drupal, and other third party applications.
• Extend open source and commercial web applications and services to meet the needs of the Libraries.
• Provide ongoing upgrades, enhancements, security patches, and bug fixes to web applications and services.
• Ensure all library web applications and websites are responsive and perform in a user-centered manner.
• Oversee implementation and usage tracking with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
• Perform regression and performance testing of web applications.
• Implement methods to improve search engine relevance.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop themes and other code based on mockups from web designers.
• Collaborate with department members, faculty librarians, and other library staff on assigned projects to develop user-centered applications and experiences.
• Collaborate with peer developers to create custom web applications and services.
• Attend and contribute to departmental and project-related meetings.
• Ensure that assigned tasks are completed on time and within budget.
• Work with others to solve project-related problems in a timely and effective manner.
• Consult with supervisor and department members to identify and recommend optimal technologies, techniques, and strategies for successful project completion.
• Consult with end users, other programmers and developers, OIT technologists, and UTK Libraries’ faculty, staff, and students concerning user needs, usability requirements, campus computer security issues, and integration of new programs and services with existing library and university computer systems and services.
• Participate with other members of the department on regular on call rotations.
• Provide direction to student workers in the department.
• Contribute all written code to the department’s distributed version control system.

Documentation and Research

• Research and implement best practices that ensure that all web applications meet the university’s standards for accessibility.
• Identify and complete professional development opportunities in order to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date.
• Document procedures to ensure long-term sustainability of library applications.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience working in web development, or 3 years of experience working in web development with a bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of open source content management systems including WordPress and Drupal.
• Knowledge of distributed version control systems such as Git or Mercurial.
• Knowledge and understanding of web accessibility guidelines and their practical use.
• Knowledge of search engine optimization and semantic web technologies.
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs.
• Knowledge of Linux Server Environments.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization methods.
• Basic knowledge of Unix utilities.
• Current web programming skills in languages such as PHP, JavaScript (server-side), Ruby, or Python.
• Client-side JavaScript and jQuery skills.
• HTML5 and CSS3 skills.
• Unix shell skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment.
• Ability to interact and collaborate with all staff in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written.
• Ability to actively listen.
• Ability to problem solve and analyze complex problems.
• Ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize projects in order to meet deadlines on time and within budget.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• 5 years web development experience.
• 1 year working in an academic environment.
• XML and XSLT or XQuery skills
• Drupal theme development skills.
• PHP templating language skills such as Twig or Blade.
• Static site generator skills such as Jekyll, Hugo, or MkDocs.
• Git and GitHub skills.

Application Procedures

A background check is required prior to hiring.  In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications and a current resume.  

For assistance or questions about using the UT online application system, contact University of Tennessee Human Resources:

105 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0213

Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(865) 974-8847

APPLY FOR POSITION

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN  37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.