Software Engineer/Developer

Job Summary:

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) is seeking a self-motivated, talented technology professional with a passion for software development. The Software Developer will build and improve modern tools for geoscience information access and management, such as our Publications Catalog (https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/catalog/) and Data Viewer (https://data.wgnhs.wisc.edu/data-viewer/). Working with WGNHS staff and information consumers, this person will also identify needs and lead the effort to build new tools and applications. This position and new software development will be supported by IT professionals at WGNHS and UW-Madison who are responsible for servers and network infrastructure.

Established in 1897, the WGNHS conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, and water resources of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of these through publications, talks, events, web sites and services, and responses to inquiries from the public. These results support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual residents. The WGNHS is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension. The Software Developer will report to the Assistant Director for Technical Operations.

The Software Developer will be an essential contributor to the WGNHS mission by facilitating the dissemination of our scientific findings. Designing user-friendly and stable resources alongside WGNHS technical and scientific staff will be the key to success in the position. This position requires familiarity with modern software development practices, including version control, automated build-deploy workflows, and application containerization. In addition, experience in, or the willingness to learn, the configuration and maintenance of web servers and proxies is expected. This position will collaborate on database development and administration.

Responsibilities include the following:
-Maintain and extend an existing CKAN-based (https://ckan.org/) data management system, including the supporting Docker and SQL Server systems and content update workflows
-Maintain and extend a custom interactive map viewer application
-Maintain application development and deployment infrastructure, including Git-based version control and Jenkins automation
-Design, implement, and maintain a new web application for managing geoscience data, including data-entry, quality control, and reporting
-Implement and maintain secure web servers and services
-Contribute to technical planning and oversight of WGNHS IT infrastructure as related to software development

WGNHS recognizes the value and importance of diversity, particularly as it improves the quality of our science and informs equitable service to the residents of Wisconsin. We understand that there is a lack of diversity in the field of geoscience, and that continued work and reflection on systemic barriers to diversity in our field are required. WGNHS staff and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee are actively learning and working to implement positive change in our organization so we can effectively support diversity in our staff and in our community engagement.

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization. (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/) As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities:

Designs, develops, tests, debugs, operates, and troubleshoots software and applications to support information technology business operations.

• 40% Reviews application design specifications, codes new applications, and makes enhancements to existing applications
• 5% Tests and debugs programs, and prepares systems test data
• 5% Prepares program documentation and training requirements
• 5% Develops or modifies technical specifications for moderately-complex projects using disciplined software development practices
• 5% Prepares detailed system design specifications for system integration and upgrades
• 30% Maintains and troubleshoots applications, systems, or websites
• 10% Implements data structure and systems performance strategies

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Associate’s Degree

Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications:

Required:
-Two years of professional experience in web development or information technology
-Experience in modern, responsive frontend web development, including proficiency in HTML, CSS, and Javascript
-Experience with Python, ASP.NET/C#, or Java programming languages
-Experience with Apache, IIS, or nginx web servers
-Experience with version control systems and continuous integration workflows
-Experience with database systems like SQL Server or PostgreSQL
-Interest and motivation to build the Preferred skills as needed, especially Docker or similar technologies
-Commitment to respectful, open colleague communications; strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting; ability to work collaboratively with other staff within the University system
-Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

Preferred:
-More than two years of professional experience in technology
-Experience using application container technologies such as Docker
-Knowledge of Linux scripting and the command line interface
-Experience with configuration and development for the CKAN information management system, or experience with Python web frameworks
-Knowledge of Leaflet, ArcGIS, or other interactive map libraries and geospatial software
-Experience working with geospatial or geoscience data
-Experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds

Work Type:

Full or Part Time: 80% – 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The expected starting salary for this position is in the range of $70,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

Additional Information:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a remote work policy that offers the potential for remote or hybrid work. More about that policy within the Division of Extension can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/extension/113536.

This position is approved at 100% (40 hours per week); however, it offers the flexibility to work fewer hours; a minimum of 32 hours may be possible.

How to Apply:

Please click the “Apply Now” button to start the application. You will be asked to submit two separate documents:
1. Current CV or resume
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee

Within these materials, please describe how your work experience and skillset is relevant to the position. The application reviewers will be relying on these materials to determine who may advance to the next stage.

In your cover letter (2 page maximum), please:
-Write about your interest in the position and expand on the relevant experience listed in your CV/resume
-Highlight specific technologies or practices you’ve applied to software development projects
-If applicable, highlight relevant coursework.

Applicants who advance to the semifinalist stage will be asked to submit contact information for three professional references and examples of their work. Finalists will be invited to participate in interviews.

The Chair of the search committee is Peter Schoephoester ([email protected]). If you are interested in the position but not sure if you meet the qualifications, please reach out to Pete to discuss your eligibility!

Contact:

Peter Schoephoester
[email protected]
608-262-2320
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Software Engineer/Developer II(IT003)

Department(s):

A47-EXTENSION/ANRCD/NR/WGNHS/WGNHS

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

307314-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.