Job Description

Primary Purpose:

The Applications Developer I is an entry level role responsible for the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software applications and integrations. This role provides a foundation for technical growth through collaboration, learning, and knowledge sharing while contributing to the team's success.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

Located in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region of Florida’s gulf coast, the University of South Florida (USF) is a Preeminent State Research University with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Rated as one of the top places to live in the U.S., Tampa Bay offers a high quality of life, year-round sunshine, and easy access to top-rated entertainment. USF is one of the nation’s largest public universities, serving more than 50,000 students with an annual budget of $1.8 billon. Over the past five years, USF has been the fastest-rising university in the nation, public or private, on the U.S. News and World Report's list of best universities, which it ranks as the 44th best public university in America.

USF is proud to be an innovating partner within the Tampa Bay region, listed by Forbes as the top emerging tech city in the country.

USF Information Technology (USF IT) provides technology services and support for the University of South Florida. The IT team, led by the Vice President and CIO, provides the following services: Administrative Services, Client Support, Communication Services, Teaching and Learning, Analytics and Reporting, Mobile and Web Services, Consulting Services, Cybersecurity Service and Research Technologies. For more information, please visitInformation Technology | University of South Florida (usf.edu)

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS:

The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

USF offers GREAT BENEFITS to full time employees!!

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Various Retirement Options, including 401K employer match
• Tuition Assistance (available for yourself, spouse, partner or dependent)

For more information about your total compensation package and other USF benefits, please visit: Work at USF

Primary Job Duties:

Design and Development:

• Applies basic coding and integration principles and programming languages, working on simple API calls and data exchanges as applicable. Collaborate with team members to understand application requirements and specifications, leveraging their guidance to enhance technical solutions.
• Writes basic code and develops simple applications using established programming languages and frameworks, often working in pair programming to improve code quality and problem-solving.
• Follows established design guidelines to ensure code quality and maintainability, actively incorporating feedback from pair programming partners and peer reviews.
• Develops fundamental technical skills across programming concepts, development tools, and software engineering practices.
• Introduces foundational knowledge of data handling and processing, leveraging structured query languages and analytical tools where applicable.

Release and Deployment:

• Assists in the deployment of applications by following established procedures and documentation, ensuring API connections function as expected.
• Conducts basic testing (unit and integration) to ensure functionality, data integrity and performance during deployments.
• Learns about data validation in API responses and integration testing.
• Supports the team in documenting release notes and user guides for new features.

Support and Maintenance:

Assists in troubleshooting application and integration issues by implementing problem-solving steps, using monitoring tools to identify potential technical problems, and diagnosing API connection failures under guidance.

Documentation:

• Assists in generating requirements using agile/lean methods, such as refining User Stories and developing simple technical sub-tasks.
• Drafts basic end-user guides and creates simple technical documentation for production and operating procedures.
• Updates and maintains documentation for simpler features or scripts, ensuring accessibility and usability for internal teams.

Research and Innovation:

• Stays informed about emerging technologies and trends in application development.
• Participates in team discussions regarding potential improvements to existing applications.

Knowledge Sharing and Skill Development:

• Learns from more experienced developers and seeks feedback to improve skills.
• Participates in technology learning.
• Seeks and applies constructive feedback to enhance technical and problem-solving abilities.
• Shares knowledge and insights with peers to foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or Equivalent and IT certification OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 1-year relevant work experience OR Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS or other field involving software and analytical training.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

Technical Skills:

• Programming/software development-Developing software components to deliver value to stakeholders.
• Functional testing-Assessing specified or unspecified functional requirements and characteristics of products, systems and services through investigation and testing.
• Systems design-Designing systems to meet specified requirements and agreed systems architectures.
• Software configuration-Designing and deploying software product configurations into software environments or platforms.
• Deployment-Transitioning software from development to live usage, managing risks and ensuring it works as intended.

Soft Skills:

• Growth Mindset - Takes ownership of personal growth and embraces the concept that intelligence and talent can be developed through continuous learning. Willing to take on new challenges, and views failure as an opportunity to grow.
• Communication - Comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and chooses appropriate, effective ways to communicate. Adapts communication style depending on the audience and situation. Listens and asks questions to develop a better understanding.
• Collaboration- Collaborates with others in the pursuit of common missions, visions, values and goals. Fosters a sense of community within and across teams, building on mutual respect, trust, and drawing on the strengths of others.
• Client Obsession-Client focused when creating solutions or solving problems, believing that everything we do is to earn and keep our clients’ trust.
• Ownership-Takes responsibility, accountability and proactively focuses on areas they can directly influence. Understands their role within the team and recognizes that they share the team’s successes and failures.
• Outcome Driven-Focuses on desired results, business outcomes, and how to achieve them. Takes appropriate actions to ensure commitments are met and results achieved.

IT Core Competencies:

• Growth Mindset - Takes ownership of personal growth and embraces the concept that intelligence and talent can be developed through continuous learning. Willing to take on new challenges, and views failure as an opportunity to grow.
• Communication - Comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and chooses appropriate, effective ways to communicate. Adapts communication style depending on the audience and situation. Listens and asks questions to develop a better understanding.
• Collaboration- Collaborates with others in the pursuit of common missions, visions, values and goals. Fosters a sense of community within and across teams, building on mutual respect, trust, and drawing on the strengths of others.
• Client Obsession-Client focused when creating solutions or solving problems, believing that everything we do is to earn and keep our clients’ trust.
• Ownership-Takes responsibility, accountability and proactively focuses on areas they can directly influence. Understands their role within the team and recognizes that they share the team’s successes and failures.
• Outcome Driven-Focuses on desired results, business outcomes, and how to achieve them. Takes appropriate actions to ensure commitments are met and results achieved.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.