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 perf