CoLab Cooperative is seeking a Full-Stack Django/Python Developer to join our team. As a Full-Stack Django/Python Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust web applications and APIs using Django and Python, and working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that solutions meet user needs and align with business objectives. The ideal candidate must have a solid understanding of backend and frontend development principles, be proficient in Python, Django, JavaScript, and related technologies, and have solid experience building and deploying scalable web applications.
CoLab works at the intersection of cooperation, inclusion, and technology. We have a long history of collaboration with clients committed to economic justice, democratic principles, and environmental sustainability. We’re seeking collaborators with at least 5+ years job or freelance experience developing software.
This is a part-time, flexible, and remote position. Initially, the projects will be intermittent and you may only have one project at a time. Over time, you will be offered more and more opportunities with CoLab. You may decide to become a co-op member-owner and start participating in internal business or innovation projects.
If this resonates with you, please read on.
Main responsibilities
- Develop and maintain robust web applications and APIs using Django and Python.
- Design and implement database schemas and optimize database performance.
- Build and integrate RESTful APIs.
- Develop frontend components using modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Vue, Angular).
- Create engaging and responsive interfaces.
- Develop efficient and reusable front-end components.
- Implement unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and reliability.
- Collaborate with designers to implement user interfaces and improve user experience, successfully taking design handoffs from UI/UX concept to production application launch.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
- Participate in code and design reviews with peers and partners, and support reviews of peers to help optimize processes.
- Maintain code quality, organization, and automation.
- Support project ‘retrospectives’ with insightful feedback.
- Work with distributed teams using online collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom.
- Python scripting to perform backend automation, import/export tasks.
- Identify bottlenecks and bugs, and devise solutions to those.
Qualifications
- At least 5 years of recent experience working with Python in different stacks, and 2+ years with Django framework as technical lead or sole developer.
- Strong understanding of relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
- Above average knowledge of RDBMS.
- Experience with RESTful API design and development (5+ years of experience in API development).
- Experience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).
- Knowledge of software testing principles and experience with testing frameworks (pytest, unittest).
- Experience with Git and version control workflows (5+ years experience managing production code with version control and project management tools).
- Expert understanding of object-oriented programming.
- Understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) and design patterns.
- Experience in working with microservices and SAAS environments.
- Experience working in Agile Development Methodologies and frameworks such as Scrum.
- Deliver quality, professional work on a daily basis as a matter of principle.
- Analyzing and improving application usability.
Other things that are helpful
- Experience with asynchronous programming (e.g., asyncio).
- Knowledge of GraphQL.
- Experience with serverless architectures.
- Familiarity with web security best practices.
- Experience with ticket management system JIRA.
- Experience with source code management tools such as Bitbucket, Github and Gitlab.
- Knowledge of Google Workspace.
- Understanding of Scalable Vector Graphics.
- Proficiency in modern JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3.
- Expert knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, CSS.
- Experience with frontend JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue, Angular).
- 2+ years working with React, in a service-oriented architecture environment.
- Experience with libraries such as styled-components, styled-jsx.
Ideal candidates also:
- Have excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Are passionate about learning and staying up-to-date with new technologies.
- Have experience with complex technical estimations.
- Have experience working with nonprofit organizations and are interested in cooperatives, solidarity economy and/or social justice projects
- Have strong client communication skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen carefully, analyze requirements, and make sound recommendations with confidence.
- Have strong troubleshooting skills and be able to solve complex problems.
- Have agency experience.
- Have experience running a web development business.
- Have a strong understanding about SEO.
- Knowledge about accessibility and how it applies to HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- Is able to keep up with changes in the industry.
If you do not perfectly meet the requirements and qualifications described above, but you are excited by meaningful work, a cooperative workplace and think you would be able to fill this role with excellence and joy, please apply!
Benefits
- Flexible schedule
- Friendly peers
- Participate in Do Good projects
- Lots of room to grow
- Educational resource
- Stretch responsibilities that challenge you to level up
- Value aligned community
- Respect for work / life balance
- Path to member- ownership (more benefits open up with membership)
Ownership candidacy
A path to member-ownership is open for the candidate according to the current process and requirements.
Location requirement
We are a global cooperative, and this position is open to applicants from all regions. We currently have members in North America, Europe, India, South America and South-East Asia. Our working hours are mainly +/- 3 hours from the Eastern time zone.
Compensation
The rate for this position ranges with experience and skill level of the candidate: $34/hour – $54/hour USD. Please read on to learn more about our compensation model.
Compensation will be based on CoLab’s Rate Standard, our attempt to ensure pay equity for our workers through a 5-levels, experience and skill-based scale. Workers are evaluated using objective, specialty-adjusted criteria. All workers at a given level receive the same pay, regardless of specialty or personal identifiers. There is no pay gap for women at CoLab. Ours is a non-extractive pay structure, paying the same wage to workers who are contributing the same value. For some, this means a lower rate than they could achieve elsewhere. This lower rate means that someone else in their community will receive fair and equitable pay. CoLab’s Rate Standard is a reflection of our values of equity and inclusion.
Time commitment
Hours range from 5 to 15 hours per month, to start. Hours are expected to increase over time in accordance with worker availability and current project needs, as well as new projects being developed.
About CoLab
CoLab is an international, worker-owned tech collective that builds custom apps and websites for a better world. Our co-op was founded in 2010 to co-create simple, purpose driven solutions to global problems. We run a very open, flat, and collaborative organization, and invest in one another as friends and coworkers. Our co-op has an open path to becoming a member-ownership, which we hope you’ll consider.
Who we’re looking for
CoLab coworkers bring a wide range of talent and perspectives to our collaboration. We’re looking for people who try to meet complexity with simplicity, and can communicate about it with their peers. We are looking for great listeners, who can uncover needs and creatively find solutions. We are looking for excellent collaborators who share our values of Innovation, Collaboration, Passion, Wisdom and Sustainability.
As a co-op, we embrace both autonomy and mutual aid. You’ll have clear responsibilities in your role, as well as opportunities to contribute in other areas. We have no set criteria around particular background or credentials; we care about your proposals, what you produce, and your growth and happiness with our team.
How to apply
Please apply by filling out the form here. We are accepting applications thru March 15th.
We center underrepresented people and communities in our work. Women, gender non-conforming people, neurodiverse people, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please be prepared to share the following:
- A brief, 1-3 paragraph cover letter about your background and what you hope to bring to this work.
- A resume or CV and portfolio or professional links.
- Availability to start and other considerations.
- Two questions you may have for us
We look forward to talking with you!