IT Technical Specialist IV - Library Applications Developer - 520703

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  59 Monthly (exempt): - Minimum - $ 48,880.00 Midpoint - $ 70,886.40

Department/Organization: 219101 - University Libraries

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

Note to Applicants: This position may be eligible for remote work. 

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.

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: 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) years of experience in web development and systems analysis. Experience with Linux system administration and supporting a LAMP technology stack. Experience developing and supporting ArchivesSpace, DSpace, CONTENTdm, WordPress, ArchivesSpace, Omeka, OCLC ILLiad, or SpringShare platforms. Experience with system integration projects. Experience developing and managing legacy code and supporting infrastructure in an academic research environment. Experience with WordPress development and writing plugins. Experience utilizing GitHub or similar version control to manage codebase. Knowledge of node.js; package managers npm or yarn. Familiarity with agile development methodologies and DevOps principles.

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