Job Description

Temporary, Part-time: 15-20 hours per week

Benefits: CA Sick Time Off

Organization size: 50+ employees

Reports to: Director of Software Development & Design

Location(s):  Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, or Stockton. This position is not eligible to work remotely.

Age requirements: Internship positions are reserved for young adults ages 18 - 24 years of age.
* The job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a background check.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
Digital NEST is an innovative workforce development center that has welcomed thousands of youth from working-class, farmworker communities to develop the technical and professional skills they need to achieve their dreams. It is an exciting time for the NEST. We are focused on growth and expansion to five communities across the Monterey Bay (MBR) and San Joaquin Valley (SJVR) Regions in Northern California. Digital NEST has Centers in the heart of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton.

JOB OVERVIEW:

bizzNEST is the creative agency of Digital NEST. bizzNEST offers a paid, 1-year internship program that provides real world professional training. Through this program, Associates hone and develop their technical and professional skills, gain real professional experience by working with clients, build professional level portfolios and resumes, and become competitively qualified for entry-level, career-focused employment .

The Software Development Associate will work closely under the task supervision of the Senior Associate and in collaboration with other Associates. They will build and maintain websites using WordPress, PHP, HTML, and CSS, or React and Node.js, including performing routine maintenance for client websites, troubleshooting, and debugging. They will be developing products for external clients and working within the organization as an in-house developer. They will also collaborate across-functional teams for projects, including the Web Design team.

As part of your workflow in this role, you’ll leverage AI tools to support development whether that’s generating code, debugging, exploring implementation approaches, or accelerating prototyping. AI will be used to increase speed and efficiency, but not replace core engineering judgment. Strong fundamentals, clear thinking, and ownership over what you ship are still expected at all times.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Software Development (60%):

• Develop and maintain websites using React, Node.js, and SQL,  WordPress and PHP adhering to coding standards for clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.
• Use AI tools (e.g. cursor, coding assistants, LLMs, agent frameworks) to accelerate software development and prototyping
• Communicate with the supervisor/project manager on the progress of the website.
• Implement changes to the work based on client and Director of software development & design feedback.
• Research challenges in DigitalNEST communities and develop innovative software solutions, including chatbots, AI tools, web platforms, and task automation systems.
• Integrate third-party plugins and tools into WordPress websites.
• Collaborate with design Associates and cross-departmental teams to ensure web development projects are aligned with design concepts and goals.
• Train clients on website use and maintenance at project completion.
• Provide content updates and edits in response to client requests. Troubleshoot website issues and implement bug fixes.
• Optimize website performance for speed and scalability.
• Test websites across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest web development technologies and trends.

Skills Development & Certification (15%)

• Utilize online resources like Codecademy for self-directed skill development.
• Participate in group technical problem-solving and leetcode sessions.
• Pursue relevant certifications to validate expertise and boost career prospects.

Other (25%):  

• Track work progress and log hours in project management software (Asana) and customer relationship management software (Salesforce) as needed.
• Participate in relevant certification programs, workshops, and training courses.
• Participate in the Mentorship Program.
• Seek and participate in professional development opportunities and share insights with fellow Associates.
• Assist with onboarding new Associates.
• Communicate across-teams through email, chat and in-person.
• Attend meetings and participate in critiques.
• Collaborate with staff members from other departments, as necessary.
• Attend and actively participate in client meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school graduate or currently majoring in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, or Data Analytics or similar fields. Self-taught individuals are welcome if they can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in web development.

Technical Skills / Experience:

• Strong Fundamental  knowledge of HTML, CSS,  JS / TS
• Experience with CMS frameworks and databases.
• Experience with cross-browser and cross-platform development.
• Experience with responsive web development.
• Knowledge of the basics of UX/UI design.
• Knowledge of the basics of design concepts.
• Basic knowledge of web front-end development in HTML, CSS, and Javascript preferred.
• Knowledge of Figma fundamentals preferred.

Professional Skills:

• Demonstrates self-awareness of one’s strengths, biases, and growth areas, and can apply self awareness in their work.
• Takes the initiative to learn, and independently seek resources for personal and professional growth 
• Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and maintain attention to detail and quality work
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills. Uses empathy and communication to build positive working relationships with colleagues
• Effective oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills. Employs active listening, is open to receiving feedback, and can communicate ideas in a clear and organized manner 
• Strong critical thinking skills. Must be able to critically analyze their work, and assess their work from the client’s perspective.
• Strong problem solving skills. Identifies problems, and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Demonstrates adaptability to new working environments, processes, tasks and systems
• Demonstrates leadership capacity and is eager to grow as a leader in their work and community
• Demonstrates creativity and curiosity to develop new approaches to communicating ideas to clients.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES and immigration status. 
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA).
• Ability to meet the minimum amount of hours required.
• Maintain dexterity and coordination, sufficient to perform essential functions
• In-person participation at one of the Digital NEST sites.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time performing desk-based computer tasks.

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for. We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.

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