Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced leader who values diversity and can contribute to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment to join our team as an Associate Director of Software Development.

Ocean Networks Canada's world-leading ocean observatories bring data to the surface, accelerating scientific discovery and delivering solutions that support ocean-and-planet sustainability for future generations. The observatories supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to a broad suite of scientific instruments located in coastal and deep-ocean environments. Ocean Networks Canada’s digital networks host thousands of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land-based assets (e.g. ferries, autonomous gliders, moorings, and coastal radars) that provide essential data.

As part of the Observatory Digital Operations department, the Software Development team, designs, implements, operates and maintains ONC’s flagship data management system, Oceans3.0, which empowers user communities in accomplishing complex analytic tasks and dealing with large data volumes of increasing size and complexity. In fulfilling its role, the department supports ONC's core mandate to collect and serve data and information needs in line with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles while ensuring the highest quality and security. The Software Development team is responsible for the lifecycle of projects requiring software and designs; and implements, operates, and continuously improves the ONC data management system Oceans 3.0. This comprehensive system sets ONC apart as the global leader in ocean data delivery.

*This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement* 

An employee in this classification is excluded from the bargaining unit as defined in the Labour Relations Code 

The University of Victoria is an employer of choice and offers an excellent pension, competitive extended health and dental plans, generous vacation and leave options, a flexible 35 hour work week, plus numerous additional benefits such as gym membership, counselling support, training and professional development. For more information, see Why apply to UVic.

Job Summary

Mandate/Core Purpose of Role:

Reporting to the Director of Observatory Digital Operations, the Associate Director, Software Development (ADSD) provides leadership and oversight for the ongoing development, implementation, maintenance and operation of ONC’s Oceans 3.0 system and associated software, a $30M investment in data management software.

Objective:

This role is expected to make a significant contribution to the organizational direction of Oceans 3.0, resolve related challenges, identify and mitigate associated risks, take advantage of emerging technologies and industry best practices, and increase the field of applicability of Oceans 3.0. This position will have oversight of more than 25 regular, term, grant funded and co-op student staff. The ADSD is accountable for sound financial, technological and human resource management of the Software Development budget, tools, and staff complement.

Functions and areas of focus:

The ADSD carries out the following key roles and functions in support of their mandate:

• Develops and implements an annual program plan that supports ONCs strategic plans, aligns with Observatory Digital Operations priorities, upgrades, maintains and expands the services of Oceans 3.0
• Identifies and addresses potential cybersecurity risks associated with Oceans 3.0 and the overall data management system, and implements strong secure software development practices.
• Provide reports to the Director Observatory Digital Operations, the Executive team and the President and CEO, as required.
• Supervise, develop and lead a team of > 25 software regular, term, grant funded and co-op students. 
• Ensure Oceans 3.0 and associated software meets ONC strategic goals and the long-term functional requirements of ONC user communities
• Ensure Oceans 3.0 and associated software meets current operational and functional requirements of ONC user communities
• Ensure Oceans 3.0 and associated software development follows sound practices including the University of Victoria Information Security Standards for software development
• Leadership of Oceans 3.0 ongoing software development, design, enhancement and support
• Collaborate with internal and external users of Oceans 3.0
• Represent ONC and Oceans 3.0 externally at conferences and with user communities.

Job Requirements

Education:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of undergraduate degree in software or computer engineering, computer science, software development, or related fields. 

Required Experience:

• Strong operational experience, ideally has worked in a management role for a minimum of 5 years (or equivalent based on complexity).
• Experience in participating and directing large, complex and intricate parallel software development projects. 
• Demonstrated success in large software system design, implementation and operation.
• Practical experience with the Agile Scrum project management methodology is strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising in a unionized environment is desirable.
•  An equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.

Key job-specific competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership, and supervisory skills.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment. 
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with all stakeholders. 
• Proven track record to set and meet objectives on time and of a high qualify. 
• Ability to create dynamic, balanced and effective project teams.
• Strategic thinking ability to support ONC’s position at the forefront of software development technology.
• Personal skills in time management and priority setting.
• Ability to oversee meetings related to many technically oriented issues.
• Condition of employment: The ability to obtain a Government of Canada Secret Level II security clearance is a requirement of this position. 
• Other: Some travel may be required

Link to apply: https://uvic.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/11937