Library Applications Developer

Description

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: 

The Library Applications Developer supports the Technology Development Librarian. Designs, develops, debugs, deploys, and maintains new customizations to specialized academic research library platforms used by the University research community. Manages open-source web platforms (ArchivesSpace, Open Journal System, DSpace, CONTENTdm, VuFind, OCLC Illiad, University Libraries Bento Search Box, Omeka S, and WordPress). Maintains the platforms by responding to user bug reports and identifying and correcting software faults and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance existing software functionality. Assists with performing user-centered needs assessments and developing desired software functionality enhancements. Assists in system integration projects between the multiple research platforms supported by University Libraries (SpringShare LibGuides to BlackBoard Ultra, SpringShare LibCal to AxisTV Conference, Aeon to DSpace and CONTENTdm, etc.). Serves as principal senior developer for select academic research projects managed by the University Libraries Alabama Digital Humanities Center. Assists in engineering, developing, and implementing technology solutions for classroom research projects with partnering academic faculty and departments (WordPress, Omeka S, WikiBase, SketchFab, etc.). Assists in developing, correcting, and enhancing new novel customizations for approved open-source projects (FOLIO Library Services Platform, DSpace, or AchivesSpace, etc.). Functions as a backup Linux Administrator for select systems. Assists with troubleshooting reported server issues, applying security patches, implementing configuration changes to server services, application performance tuning, and writing technical documentation.

This position may be eligible for remote work.

Skills and Knowledge:

Technical expert and resource to less experienced developers helping to contribute to the continuous improvement of the unit. Proficiency in one or more server-side programming languages, specifically, PHP, Java, or Ruby. Competency in full stack development. Fluent developing in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue). Ability to write for RESTful APIs with JSON-formatted data. Ability to write RESTful API endpoints. Ability to develop with technologies such as Linux, Apache/Tomcat, Solr, MySQL/PostgreSQL, and PHP. Commitment to writing clear, well-documented, reusable, and secure code. Critical thinking skills. Ability to independently learn modern programing languages, tools, and skills as needed for projects. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills. Strong service orientation. Ability to understand and meet user needs. Initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning. Comfort using Linux shells, such as Bourn, Bash, and Z, running programs from the command line, and navigating and manipulating files and directories.