Background:

The Southern California Library, an independent, specialized library located in South Los Angeles, is seeking a full-time community technology developer. Founded over 40 years ago, the Library documents and preserves the history of community change and engages people in learning from that history through our collections and our programs so that we can more effectively address issues facing our communities today. We serve community members, teachers, students, researchers, and local community-based organizations, with a particular emphasis on historically underrepresented, poor communities of color.

Position Overview:

The community technology developer is a new position at the Library that will transform our capacity to use existing and emerging technologies to serve a wide and rapidly growing base of organizations and individuals seeking to use the knowledge and histories in our collections to create change in our communities. The position will play a critical role in planning, implementing, and maintaining a community enterprise project to strengthen the Library’s technology environment and create an interactive website that incorporates Web2.0 technologies. As such, the position is central to the Library’s vision to become a vital "third space" in Los Angeles and beyond that builds community and fosters creative, liberating interaction, exchange, and learning. This position reports to the director and is full-time and exempt.

Essential Functions:

• Technology planning and evaluation
• Server set-up, installation, and administration
• Wireless network set-up and maintenance
• Database support and backup
• Computing/email support and troubleshooting
• Website project management and maintenance
• Web2.0 development and implementation
• E-commerce development and implementation
• Digital media recording and production
• Technology training

Qualifications:

• A passion and commitment to social justice and bridging the digital divide, and an eagerness to work with others to be a part of creating positive change in our communities
• Experience with and passion for effective and innovative use of Web.2.0 technologies
• Knowledge of Web technologies and programming, accessibility standards, and best practices
• Strong skills in database performance and management
• Experience with networking equipment, principles, and protocols, including TCP/IP
• Experience with server technologies (Windows-based, UNIX-based, Mac OS X)
• Experience with operating systems (including Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS X, Linux, UNIX)
• Familiarity with access and security protocols
• Familiarity with open source software (including Drupal, Apache, MySQL, PHP)
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to analyze and solve problems, maintain records and develop documentation, pay attention to details, and manage multiple priorities
• Motivated self-starter, willing to take the initiative in developing our use of technology and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for effective interaction with both technical and non-technical partners and sensitivity to working with a diverse group of users.

Salary and Hours:

• Full-time, Tuesday through Saturday
• Compensation: DOE
• Family health benefits and voluntary 401(k) program

Please send a resume and cover letter to Michele Welsing via email to mwelsing@socallib.org, fax (323) 759-2252, or mail to 6120 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90044, by June 15, 2008.

Download the job announcement (PDF)