Senior Application Developer for Digital Libraries - Application Developer Analyst 2

Application Developer Analyst II

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Library Technology Services Department, the Senior Application Developer for Digital Libraries, under general direction of the unit head, leads the team supporting UF-hosted digital libraries (e.g., the UF Digital Collections, Digital Library of the Caribbean, and others), leads activities related to the creation and support of software applications for the Libraries’ Digital Support Services Department and Digital Partnerships & Strategies Department, and develops digital library systems, applications, services, and processes. Under general direction of the unit head, leads a collaborative team in work to design, develop, test, and deploy digital library applications including software to assist in internal digital workflow and operations. The Senior Application Developer is a 100% remote position, provides expertise for the design and development of all digital library systems, and works with analysts and stakeholders, under general direction of the unit head, to lead definition of system scope and objectives based on user needs. Serves as the technical lead for the team for Scrum following agile concepts for test-driven development, iterative sprint-based development and delivery of applications and enhancements, providing technical mentoring, assigning, directing, and monitoring the work of other analysts and programming team members.

As the Senior Application Developer, this position is responsible for technology leadership for the team supporting all aspects of critical digital library infrastructure. This position collaborates closely with the Unit Head, who provides managerial leadership, risk assessment, server administration, and other supports, with the two positions working together for shared mission goals.

To support all students, staff and faculty, and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the Libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally-rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, and perspectives.

Unit: The Digital Development Unit is an agile development group that supports internationally recognized digital libraries of critical importance for research, preservation, and culture, including the Florida Digital Newspaper Library, the Digital Library of the Caribbean, and over 300 other outstanding digital collections that comprise the UF Digital Collections (UFDC), containing over 15 million pages.

Department: The Library Technology Services (LTS) Department is a service-oriented group that maintains, researches, develops, optimizes and supports information systems and technology for the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. The department is a service hub providing an array of services and support, including technical expertise for evaluating external service providers, application development, project management, risk management, and administration supporting collaboration to optimally deliver on program and project needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, implementation and maintenance of critical digital library infrastructure:

• Develop, document and maintain integrated system-wide architecture and applications, modules, plugins, APIs, and related processes, as applicable to the specific digital library systems (Anubis, SobekCM, etc.). The underlying programming, scripting, query, framework, and markup languages involved may include, but are not limited to React or Angular, Python/Django, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL, C#, HTML5 and CSS, with initial emphasis on backend APIs. Ensures coding projects are accurate, effective, efficient, secure, completed by designated timelines and can be sufficiently documented so that a fellow team-member familiar with the specific programming language can determine program flow and make modifications based upon the associated documentation.
• Develops and maintains test-driven practices and code deployment pipelines, maximizing maintainability.
• Perform system analysis for the purpose of capturing and translating user needs into tangible multi-user software system requirements and functionality. Promote, and actively participate in, a process that provides for thorough and documented concept analysis and project pre-planning. The process should identify the specific project goals and sizing. The process should employ fact-finding mechanisms (e.g., committee participation, literature research, staff interviews, questionnaires and focus groups, as necessary) in order to define the specific nature and scope of the project and the programmatic solution.
• Employ secure coding practices. Code to be used in a production environment is subject to the approval of the appropriate governing IT Security entity.
• Supports patron-facing sites for UF-hosted digital libraries (the largest are the UF Digital Collections, Digital Library of the Caribbean, and Florida Digital Newspaper Library), which include over 15 million pages of content representing over 863,000 items and which see millions of user views each month.
• Provides system-facing operations with multiple APIs to ensure content is widely distributed and accessed by complementary digital library systems.
• Provisions internal-facing production sites, servers, systems, and processes supporting the Digital Support Services Department, vendor-based digitization ingest, partner-contributed digitization, and metadata ingests as single records and in bulk from various sources.
• Supports Digital Metadata Steward (and legacy Sobek SMaRT tool) for digital library production workflows, including many subprocesses including: Machine Aided Indexing, Tesseract for optical character recognition and automatic PDF generation, file preparation and loading to external repositories as with HathiTrust, and other workflow and process needs.
• Administers PostgreSQL database design and operations, powering the patron-facing system and internal operational system.
• Develops Elasticsearch/Solr indexing for the digital library systems.
• Provides ETL from legacy production systems to patron digital library.

Lead, mentor, instruct, and direct the technical work of the Digital Development Team in close collaboration with the Unit Head to design, develop, test, and deploy digital library applications including software to assist in internal digital workflow and operations:

• Provides expertise for the design and development for all digital library systems
• Leads the team in Scrum following agile concepts for iterative sprint-based development, deployment pipelines, and delivery of applications and enhancements, providing technical mentoring, assigning, directing, and monitoring the work of other analysts and programming team members.
• Provides technical assistance and expertise during project planning and for each sprint, and for longer-term planning with milestones, project plans, and estimates of the analysis and development effort based on requirements
• Recommends development of new code/data/reports or reuse/enhancement of existing code, and leads the team in all related processes
• Works with other analysts/stakeholders to lead definition of system scope and objectives based on user needs.
• Leads feasibility assessments, design options, development, testing, quality assurance, and documentation.
• As technical lead, has solid understanding of business function for all digital library systems and applications.
• Performs software systems analysis for the purpose of capturing and translating user and customer needs into tangible multi-user software system requirements and functionality. Promotes, and actively participates in, a process that provides for thorough and documented concept analysis and project pre-planning. The process should identify the specific project goals and sizing. The process should employ fact-finding mechanisms in order to define the specific nature and scope of the project and the programmatic solution.
• Employ secure coding practices. Code to be used in a production environment is subject to the approval of the appropriate governing IT Security entity.
• Ensure timely completion of technology deadlines related to project completion schedules.

Manages Software Integration, external interface development and technical documentation:

• Leads efforts for software integration, including integration of local systems for digital libraries as well as other library systems (e.g., catalog/Aleph/Alma and Mango/OneSearch feeds) as well as external library systems (e.g., OCLC, HathiTrust, OAI feeds, OAI ingests from partners, and APIs).
• Ensures all systems are documented, and all code is version controlled for the full development team.
• Provides estimates of the analysis and development effort based on requirements.
• Recommends development of new code/data/reports or reuse/enhancement of existing code.
• Participates or leads in component and architecture design, performance monitoring, product evaluation.
• As the team’s technical leader for scrum, convenes frequent team meetings to review and prioritize daily development tasks.
• As needed, provides training and instruction in the use of web and programming interfaces.

Professional Development:

• Stays abreast of IT industry and specifically digital library/repository system best practices. Sets and establishes standards for the organization, and champions the processes.

Other Duties

• Perform other incidental duties necessary to accomplish the essential functions listed above. Represent the Library Technology Services Department in internal and external committees, teams and similar work-groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

We value a range of experience and perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to communicate in their application materials and subsequent interview conversations how their work and other experiences satisfy the following qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

The Library Technology Services department at the George A. Smathers Libraries serves as the focal point for planning, managing and coordinating programming, development, and all computer based information technology and online resources that support library operations and services to the University community. The Library Technology Services department manages 34 servers supporting programs and services used throughout the US and the world- including digital library programs, and internal application for the operations of the Libraries. The department, supports over 625 workstations used by 250 staff with over 6 million on-site and virtual visitors a year, high-end technology classrooms for credit courses and workshops, and event and exhibit spaces with interactive technologies for virtual conferencing, and touch screen user support. The Libraries’ Technology department leads the planning and development of new ways to leverage technology in support of the mission and goals of the Libraries.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES

The libraries at the University of Florida form the largest academic information resource system in the state of Florida with seven libraries and two off-campus facilities. The George A. Smathers Libraries are comprised of six of the campus libraries, and the off-site facilities. In addition to this system, the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is part of the Levin College of Law. The Libraries hold over 6.27 million print volumes, 1.5 million e-books, 145,000 full-text electronic journals, over 1000 electronic databases, 1.3 million documents, over 15 million digitized pages from the Libraries’ collections and 1.4 million maps and images. Distinctive holdings include the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, Latin American and Caribbean Collection, Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. The Libraries maintain partnerships and engages in a variety of collaborative, international projects while engaging with the UF community. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other regional library consortia.

The library staff consists of more than 300 FTE librarians, technical/clerical staff and student assistants. The George A. Smathers Libraries are strong advocates for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Libraries’ commitment to both is articulated in the Inclusion and Intellectual Freedom Statements. The Smathers Libraries will foster and maintain a culture that supports DEI, as values are foundational and permeates all aspects of our organization per Strategic Directions 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Support for professional development is central to the Smathers Libraries. Supports include a formal mentoring program, a robust training program, release time for research and professional service, a comprehensive grants program, and funding for professional development travel.

THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

The University of Florida (UF) is the state of Florida’s preeminent university. The state's oldest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation's most academically diverse public universities and won the 2018 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. UF is currently fifth among “Top Public Universities” in the U.S. News and World Report and second among Forbes “Best Value Public Colleges (2016). UF has a long history of established programs in international education, research, and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities. At UF we have some of the top faculty in the country. In addition to attracting over $900 million in research each year, they foster the uniquely collaborative environment that transforms potential into actual results. UF traces its beginnings to a small seminary in 1853 and is now one of the largest universities in the nation, with more than 50,000 students. The University of Florida seeks to address key challenges of our time, from COVID-19 to racism. In 2020 President Fuchs announced a UF-Anti-Racism Initiative. You can read about various efforts across campus on the University’s dedicated anti-racism website.

BENEFITS

University benefits for this position include retirement plan options, insurance benefits, paid family leave (parental and medical), tuition fee waiver program, and employee assistance program, as well as paid time off and holidays. Gainesville, Florida, has no state or local income tax. The University of Florida provides ongoing guidelines and resources related to COVID-19.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are dedicated to the goal of building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff within a culturally diverse and pluralistic environment; we invite all qualified applicants including women, members of underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirement under the Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.

If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 University of Florida Human Resources or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY

Gainesville and the surrounding community are home to approximately 257,000 people and both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. The city is surrounded by more than 40 nature parks, including many spring-fed lakes and rivers, with many paved and unpaved trails for recreation. The city is just over an hour from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Gainesville is an award winning and innovative city, friendly to both professionals and families. The Guide to Greater Gainesville combines award winning photography and compelling articles that capture all the reasons for calling Gainesville your next home. The City of Gainesville is a progressive municipality that seeks to promote racial equity. The area has numerous cultural institutions and is a haven for sports fans. Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Augustine are all within a two-hour drive.

$64,800 minimum salary; the Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials.

High school diploma or equivalent and four years of relevant experience; or Associate’s degree and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

• Master's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
• Demonstrated experience in application development and full stack development for digital library systems, including patron-facing, production, and digital preservation systems, along with related systems for integration and connection with APIs
• Demonstrated experience and expertise with:
  • Multiple programming languages, preference given to familiarity Python/Django and Linux server scripting
  • SQL, specifically PostgreSQL preferred
  • HTML and CSS and experience with web scripting languages, in particular JavaScript with ReactJS and Angular
  • Linux (RedHat preferred) and Apache server administration
  • Solr/Elasticsearch
  • Full stack development.
  • Git source code management
  • Leading an agile environment for working effectively with project managers, other developers, and external teams
  • Generating and maintaining comprehensive, digestible documentation
  • Test driven development
  • Code deployment pipelines
• Proficiency with Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with RabbitMQ and/or other message brokers
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to constantly expand technical knowledge
• DevOps experience, including server architecture and deployment
• Experience developing digital repositories, especially including Elasticsearch and Pairtree
• Acumen for team leadership and mentorship
• Experience with developing and delivering training
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, staff and administrators.
• Commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all, including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, and perspectives

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Applications will be reviewed as received. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at [email protected].

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.