Position Summary

The Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota (UMN) is seeking a temporary project software developer for the Ojibwe People's Dictionary ( https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu ). This is an online, searchable, talking dictionary that reaches 50,000 - 60,000 monthly visitors including scholars, Ojibwe community members, and the Minnesota public who benefit from this heritage language. This position supports a one-year project grant focused on enhancing public access, streamlining and speeding the editorial workflow, and creating a new avenue for community-engagement.

A successful candidate will bring capabilities to best support server-side, client-side, and database tools. Specific programming languages being considered for this project include Python Django and PHP Laravel. Working closely with the Editor and the database designer, the software developer will be responsible for programming back-end editorial software to support the workflow of the dictionary, and developing a front-end interface for a new editorial workflow with Ojibwe community members. Following the Database Master Requirements, the Software Specification Requirements, and database model documentation, the software developer will work with existing staff, student project programmers, and UMN systems to configure and integrate the software with the Dictionary's redesigned website, MySQL databases, AWS (Amazon Web Service) audio archive repository, and other UMN systems in a manner that employs best practices in coding with a focus on future reproducibility and support for non-developer staff.

This project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Job Responsibilities
Software Development & Support (90%)

• Lead development, testing and implementation of back-end editorial software for the Ojibwe People's Dictionary, and the editorial user interface for community collaborative editing.
• Create readable, testable, and scalable code, following best practices.
• Integrate the editorial software with MySQL database and redesigned website, configuring access and permission structures for user authorization within the database/software.
• Integrate the AWS audio and media buckets with the editorial software, database, website, and other in-house applications/systems.
• Oversee deployment of editorial software, working with project staff to develop test plans for testing software functionality and data integration. Diagnose and resolve technical issues.

Research Consultation & Support (10%)

• Collaborate with editor/project manager, database designer, and other programmers in LATIS Research and UMN to evaluate and resolve any issues with software development requirements.
• Work with project staff to create and ensure completeness of: project technical documentation, and software coding and process documentation, particularly information needed for future reproducibility, reference and training support.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus a minimum of 4-years experience in software development.
• Software development experience in either Python Django or PHP Laravel, plus experience using and supporting the software.
• Direct experience integrating software applications with SQL relational databases.
• Ability to read and understand requirements documents and relational database design documents.
• GitHub proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to comment and document source code, following best practices.
• Must be able to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical writing skills, and team communication skills.
• Experience with Amazon Web Service (AWS) for media integration.
• Experience with MySQL databases.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse individuals

About the Department

The Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota strives to cultivate Native leaders
and allies by providing a critical and comprehensive education in the field of Native American and Indigenous
Studies. American Indian Studies majors receive training in contemporary Native literary and artistic
expression, legal and political issues, and historical experiences.
This critical and comprehensive education prepares our students to pursue a multitude of career paths in policy,
education, community development, as well as cutting edge graduate programs. Our nationally-renowned
faculty are committed to challenging conventional academic approaches while also giving students strong
backgrounds in in critical areas of policy, law, history, social theory, education, literary criticism, film, and
environmental studies. All of this is complemented by a thriving Native community on campus, in the Twin
Cities, and throughout the state of Minnesota.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).