Temporary Front-end Web Developer - Libraries

West Virginia University Libraries is currently seeking applications for a Temporary Front-End Web Developer.

About the Opportunity

The developer reports to the Director of Systems in the WVU Libraries and works as part of the Systems department. In this role, the developer will update and make improvements to WVU Libraries websites, web applications, digital collections, and other web-based resources. They will also conduct usability testing of library websites and applications as needed.

The developer has a strong commitment to user-centered services, improving user experience, web accessibility, and service excellence. They evaluate and visualize the results of usability testing, and make recommendations to improve digital collections, web applications, websites, and services based on both usability testing data and market research. The developer works collaboratively with library faculty and staff to use the information gathered through testing to design and implement user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.

This position works in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, work environment and works well both independently and as part of a team. The developer works with library faculty and staff, other professional technologists at WVU, and WVU students, and has strong interpersonal communication and design management skills.

What You'll Do

Digital Collections, Online Exhibits, and Websites

• Creates digital collections and online exhibits and websites in collaboration with content creators that adhere to WVU University Relations standards, as well as web standards for accessibility, compatibility, performance, search engine optimization, responsiveness, and content management sustainability.
• Conducts design research for incremental development and redesign for WVU Libraries digital collections and websites.
• Manages and updates website content using the university's content management system (CMS), CleanSlate. Management includes ensuring accuracy, currency, ease of access, and consistency of content throughout WVUL websites and webpages.
• Troubleshoots technical issues related to library websites, digital collections, and online exhibits.

Web Applications

• Works as part of the Libraries' Systems department to design, develop, maintain and improve web application user interfaces. This includes web applications developed in-house, as well as vendor-provided and open-source applications. These applications may be for WVU faculty, staff, and students, community members, or library employees.
• Proposes and implements user interface enhancements and updates based on market research and usability testing.
• Improves user experience related to web application accessibility, compatibility, performance, and responsiveness.
• Designs, develops, and works in a shared/version-controlled development and deployment environment with content specialists, designers, and developers.

Market Research/Usability Studies

• Designs and conducts usability testing and gathers feedback to improve user experience and accessibility of library websites, digital collections and exhibits, and web applications.
• Researches and employs UX best practices to create seamless workflows and intuitive navigation paths for library users and employees.
• Analyzes website usage data and user behavior to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

Miscellaneous

• Meets as needed, with WVU University Relations Digital Services, and other digital collection/library user experience groups.
• Attends and actively contributes to weekly departmental meetings.
• Serves as a resource for library employees in best practices in web accessibility and usability.
• Provides training and support for website management tools as needed.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as required.
  

Length of Assignment: 8.5 Months

• A bachelor's degree in web design or related field, and/or 4 years of experience in front-end web development with 2 years of usability testing.
• A minimum of two (2) years of front-end web development.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator software.
• Demonstrated skills with HTML, CSS, SCSS, JavaScript, and content management systems (CMS)
• Experience working with WCAG and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Understanding of Ajax, JSON, and Restful systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work with revision control systems, such as Git.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Preferred skills and experience
• Experience developing in Node.JS, Angular, Bootstrap, Webpack, and/or other JavaScript frameworks.
• Experience with service design.
• Experience designing HTML emails for communication and marketing.
• Experience with Ruby on Rails.
• Experience with data visualization and presentation
• Experience designing responsive web applications.
• Master's degree in graphic design, Human-Computer Interaction, or User Experience Design
• UX Certification by internationally recognized group
• Experience using component-based systems and modern tooling to generate production CSS/JS.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.