(Hybrid) Frontend Web Developer - Libraries

West Virginia University Libraries is currently seeking applications for a (Hybrid) Frontend Web Developer with a focus on accessibility.

About the Opportunity

The developer reports to the Director of Systems in the WVU Libraries and works as part of the Systems department. The developer has a strong commitment to user-centered services, web accessibility, improving user experience, and service excellence. They will inventory and conduct accessibility audits and evaluations of digital content, platforms, and technologies, including websites, digital collections, software tools, documents (PDF, Word, PowerPoint), multimedia, and electronic resources.  They will visualize the results of accessibility audits and usability testing, and make recommendations to improve digital collections, web applications, websites, and services based on accessibility standards and best practices, usability testing data, and market research. They will review library content and web interfaces and provide feedback to library employees for content creation and remediation based on available tools and resources. The developer works collaboratively with library faculty and staff and campus partners to use the information gathered through accessibility audits and user testing to design and implement accessible, user-friendly, and intuitive interfaces.  

In this role, the developer will support the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive digital accessibility program at WVUL aligned with WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards and applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., ADA, Section 508).  The developer will update and make improvements to WVU Libraries websites, web applications, digital collections, and other web-based resources for improved accessibility, usability, and quality assurance. They will also conduct usability testing of library websites and applications as needed.  

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, campus partners, and WVU students, and has strong interpersonal communication and project management skills.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week 
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  401(a) retirement savings with 6%25 employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Digital Collections, Online Exhibits, Websites, and Web Applications 

• Develops digital collections, online exhibits, and websites in collaboration with content creators that adhere to WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing (SCM) standards, as well as web standards for accessibility, compatibility, performance, search engine optimization, responsiveness, and content management sustainability.
• Manages and updates website content using the university’s content management system. Management includes ensuring accessibility compliance, accuracy, currency, ease of access, and consistency of content throughout WVUL websites and webpages.
• Works as part of the Libraries’ Systems department to design, develop, maintain and improve accessible 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. 
• Troubleshoots technical issues related to library websites, digital collections, and online exhibits.  
• 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 developers, designers, and developers.

Accessibility Audits and Evaluations

• Inventories library content and systems and conducts accessibility audits and evaluations of these materials.
• Provides training, documentation, guidance, and hands-on support for remediation of legacy materials and content creation to improve the accessibility of digital content, including advising on document structure, color contrast, navigation, captions, transcripts, and alternative text.
• Uses accessibility checkers and assistive technology tools (e.g. SiteImprove, screen readers, voice recognition software) to ensure digital accessibility across library platforms.

Accessibility and 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 campus partners and other digital collection/library user experience groups.
• Attends and actively contributes to weekly departmental meetings.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as required.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with assistive technologies (Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, JAWS, and ZoomText) 
• Working knowledge of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, its 2008 amendments, and
• WCAG 2.1 as well as other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disabilities
• Familiarity with principles of universal design 
• Experience with service design
• Experience with Ruby on Rails
• Experience with data visualization and presentation  
• Experience designing responsive web applications
• Experience using component-based systems and modern tooling to generate production CSS/JS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated skills with HTML, CSS, SCSS, JavaScript, and content management systems (CMS)  
• Experience working with WCAG and Section 508 accessibility requirements, including using accessibility checkers (e.g. SiteImprove, WAVE) 
• 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