Front-End Engineer

OpenPlans is seeking a talented Front-End Engineer to build engaging web experiences — a wiz with JavaScript/HTML/CSS who wants to apply their visual and technical skills to open source products. We’re building web-based applications that change the way citizens interact with government agencies and data, and we need someone to help ensure everything we build is a pleasure to use.

You will work within our Civic Works group, helping us create transformative tools for transportation, transit, and planning agencies. This position is based in our New York office, and it reports to our Creative Director.

Responsibilities

• Build websites and software products that support the fields of public transit, urban planning, and open government.


• Write high performing, optimized, client-side code with browser compatibility and accessibility in mind, working closely with our top-notch engineers, designers, and project managers


• Advocate for best practices, great usability and exceptional quality, with awareness of client needs and priorities


• Identify and prioritize multiple projects in a self-directed and motiviated way


• Champion products with dedication to quality and attention to detail

You Offer

• A passion for web standards and user experience


• Proven HTML/CSS skills (HTML5/CSS3 a plus)


• Brilliant use of asynchronous JavaScript (jQuery a plus)


• Conversant with a variety of web templating systems and frameworks (expert PHP a must; familiarity with Python/Django a plus)


• Expert WordPress experience (Drupal and other Content Management Systems a plus)


• MySQL database management (PosgreSQL/PostGIS a plus)


• Knowledge of web mapping APIs (OpenLayers a big plus)


• Experience with common and more obscure cross-browser and cross-domain solutions


• Experience with version control (Git a plus)


• A demonstrated interest in the interesection of urban issues and technology.


• Natural curiosity balanced with pragmatism. You are always up for trying out something new, but you know how to pick the right tool for the job


• Knack for working in small, close-knit teams


• Fluid written, verbal, and electronic communication skills, and a good sense of humor

We Offer
Competitive compensation and great benefits, including health, dental, vision, five weeks of vacation and 401k. We have strong existing projects with a track record of success, so you’ll be proud to hang your hat in our beautiful, snack-filled SoHo office.

About Us
OpenPlans is a non-profit technology incubator focused on open government and livable streets. We have a top-notch team of 50 journalists, software developers, and filmmakers who aim to transform our streets into more sustainable, healthy civic spaces.

To Apply
Send your application to [email protected] . Include a cover letter, your resume, and examples of cool things you’ve built and code you’ve written (live sites and public code repositories are a big plus). Let us know why you’re interested in working at OpenPlans.