Description

The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) is seeking technical support for its Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIS&T) Body of Knowledge (BoK). This collection of materials has been steadily updated by the user community since its first digital publication in 2016.

The BoK’s database of content resides in an open-source platform, The Living Textbook (LTB), optimized for designing curricula and structuring ontologies (https://gistbok-ltb.ucgis.org). The database is connected to another suite of open-source tools customized for additional targeted functionality (https://gistbok-tools.ucgis.org). Currently, only the Visualization and Search tool is actively used (https://gistbok-topics.ucgis.org).

UCGIS seeks the help of a part-time developer to assist with small-scale enhancements of these Platforms as well as regular maintenance, debugging, and installation of updates to the code and its libraries. Note: this position is fully-funded through September 2026 and may continue after that date.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this part-time, flexible position will be proficient with open source platform development and reliably capable of independently following through on task-completion within time commitments. After an initial phase of becoming familiar with the Platforms and our expectations, an average of 2 hours/week is estimated as a time commitment. An hourly wage in the range of $100-150 is expected, depending on qualifications.

Technical expertise is required in the following areas:

• The Living Textbook utilizes PHP, Symfony, and JavaScript for its CKEditor.
• The Tools use TypeScript. They are built on Firebase and deployed on an AWS, so familiarity with web server settings is also necessary.

Additional technical expectations:

• Coding skills on PHP and JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Know the basics of Git and GitHub operations including local commands (pull, add, commit, push, etc.) and GitHub management (creating issues, pull requests, merge conflicts, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of Docker and docker compose.
• Strong knowledge on networking using Nginx and configuring HTTPS certificates.
• Knowledge of Ubuntu and SSH
• Able to learn Symfony, MariaDB, and Firebase.
• Able to learn how to use 3rd-party npm packages.
• Familiarity with AWS a plus.

Applicants must demonstrate capable and regular communication habits (Slack, email). Regular exchanges with other staff based in multiple US time zones are expected.

Due to restrictions by the funding source, only U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible for this position, and visa support is not available.

Open until filled. Applications should be directed to arock@ucgis.org.