Web Application Developer - Library IT

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library is seeking a Web Application Developer to join the Web Services Team. You will build and maintain complex web-based applications, work with CMS tools, and ensure accessibility and usability across 100+ sites.

The role requires experience in web development, knowledge of modern frameworks (Laravel/ASP.NET/M Rails), and collaboration with campus groups. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of work experience in IT-related functions such as programming or systems support.
• Professional experience in website development or web-centric software development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of web frameworks such as PHP Laravel, ASP.NET MVC, or Ruby on Rails.

Responsibilities

• Develop web-based applications or sites according to client specifications.
• Complete work within agreed timeframes and support existing applications.
• Collaborate with campus groups and outside vendors to deliver dynamic, client-driven content.
• Implement content management systems (CMS) like WordPress to public sites.
• Ensure accessibility and usability in line with state laws and best practices.

Skills

PHP Laravel

ASP.NET MVC

Ruby on Rails

Git

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree

Tools

WordPress

Job description

The Library is essential to the intellectual vitality of the University and attracts talented students, faculty, and scholars to the Urbana-Champaign campus. With more than 15 million volumes, it is one of the world’s great research libraries and renowned for the depth and breadth of its collections. The Library is central to the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service, and it is one campus unit that serves all academic disciplines. The Library is looking for a web application developer to join our Web Services Team, which is responsible for much of the Library’s digital presence. The Library’s Web Services Team is responsible for over 100 websites and is an important contributor to our digital accessibility efforts.

Job Summary
Serving as a member of the Web Services Team, the Web Application Developer will program and maintain complex web-based applications or sites within the Library. This position is expected to act independently within guidelines, make changes with limited risks, and propose work.

Duties & Responsibilities

Web Development

• Develop web-based applications or sites according to specifications provided by clients.
• Complete work within agreed-upon timeframes.
• Support existing applications, including taking ownership of troubleshooting and enhancing functionality, in consultation with colleagues and service users.
• Work with providers of website content tools, including Tech Services, University Public Affairs, other groups on campus, and outside vendors to develop and implement effective services delivering dynamic and client driven content.
• Implement and use content management systems (CMS’s) to deliver public websites (i.e. WordPress, etc.).
• Ensure that all websites created adhere to state accessibility laws as well as best practices for usability.

Planning and Communication

• Gather requirements, analyze business processes or communications goals, and work with team to streamline such processes or achieve stated goals.
• Participate in the full development lifecycle, including estimation, development, testing, and deployment.
• Monitor and track progress on projects.
• Write reports, summaries, and formal documentation.
• Keep web site owners well informed of IT issues and changes.
• Work with IT management to implement strategic improvements.
• Work with a team to deliver projects including but not limited to, design, code review, and testing as well as serving as a backup to other team members.

Research

• Research new technologies that could potentially enhance our website and the applications or sites they host.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Two (2) years of work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.

A. College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent may be substituted for experience:

30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)

90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

3. Professional experience in website development or web-centric software development.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of web frameworks such as PHP Laravel, ASP.NET MVC, or Ruby on Rails.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree.
• Two years of full-time experience in website development or web-centric software development.
• Demonstrated experience managing web servers.
• Demonstrated experience developing database driven web applications, including responsive sites and custom solutions.
• Experience working in higher education, especially libraries.
• Experience training technical staff and non-technical users on use and structure of applications or sites.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices for the Web including accessibility, usability standards, standards compliance, and search engine optimization.
• Proficient understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git.
• Demonstrated proficiency with gathering requirements and generating technical specifications.
• Demonstrated proficiency with creating system and user documentation for applications and sites.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate.
• Ability to work in an environment with staff and students from all backgrounds.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems encountered in supported applications.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Most work will be accomplished in a typical office work environment. Some travel may be involved to attend conferences and other collaboration activities.
• On occasion, incumbent may need to work outside normal business hours in cases of system failure or scheduled deployments.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 – Information Technology Technical Associate position, appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $85,000.Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .