The Interaction Consortium
Web Application Developer for a Video Archiving System
We are looking for an experienced Python web application developer to work on and extend an existing application. The application is used by a client who archives video assets for video production companies.
The Interaction Consortium (The IC for short) is a web software development studio based in Sydney. We build sophisticated web applications for commercial and non-profit businesses. We also build content management platforms for clients like Australian Museum, Syrinscape, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Manchester International Festival.
We were founded in 2009 and we’ve developed and launched over 100 projects in that time. Unlike a typical agency, we maintain, develop and grow the sites we build for years after launch, so we emphasise maintainability, safe practices and test-driven development. We don’t follow technology hype – new tools must add something significant to balance the cost of introducing them.
The IC is a developer-founded, developer-run business. Most of our staff are developers. The owner codes. The designer codes. Developers are involved in every sale from the very start. We all work to our own rhythm and we trust everyone to manage their own time and tasks to meet our shared commitments. We encourage people to pursue their interests, undertake their own research projects (as time allows) and demo what they learn to the rest of the team (and, ideally, write about it).
We have always supported flexible work – hours that fit your life, working from our comfy, easy to reach office in Chippendale, from home or remotely. We provide extra leave for birthdays and more the longer you stay.
- Telecommuting is OK
- No Agencies Please
Requirements
- Application development in Python using Django with Postgres
- Front-end development in HTML, CSS, Javascript, React (etc)
- Deployment using Docker (we have existing systems to mostly automate this, but you need to become familiar with and use them)
- Managing work from clients and following up with other team members
- Staying aware of project budgets, managing your own time
- Work with support from one of the Principals
- Delegate work to other Juniors and other Seniors – salaried staff and contractors
Requirements
- 4-5 years experience building software with web frameworks like Django, Rails or Laravel. Be prepared to work in Django – either because you know it or because you can pick it up quickly.
- Solid experience with React or another modern Javascript framework
- Strong work ethic to deliver client requirements
- Self-directed learner – keen to learn, willing to try things out
- Experience handling some client projects on your own – either in a company or as a freelancer – communicating with the client, managing your time, monitoring budgets
- From experience, we work better with people we can spend some time with, so our ideal person would be in Sydney, but anyone in Australia or New Zealand would work just fine.
Nice to have
Any of the following are desirable and would be great things to mention:
- A computer science or related degree (but some great developers don’t)
- We do everything macOS or Linux, so experience with a Unix-style OS and working with shell commands is helpful
- Knowledge of modern front-end frameworks like Vue or Svelte
- Experience with Docker, AWS and automated deployment
- Experience with styling in CSS
- Open source project contributions
Hiring Process
To apply, send:
- a cover letter introducing yourself,
- a recent CV, and
- some sample code or a github link that shows us your approach to solving a problem
There is an initial screening round where we shortlist potential candidates.
We will get in touch to arrange an interview to find out more about you and answer questions about the job and the company.
We will very likely arrange a second interview with different staff to gather different impressions.
The successful applicant(s) will be informed shortly after. We also inform every other applicant of the outcome of the process.
About the Company
The Interaction Consortium (The IC for short) is a web software development studio based in Sydney. We build sophisticated web applications for commercial and non-profit businesses. We also build content management platforms for clients like Australian Museum, Syrinscape, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Manchester International Festival.
We were founded in 2009 and we’ve developed and launched over 100 projects in that time. Unlike a typical agency, we maintain, develop and grow the sites we build for years after launch, so we emphasise maintainability, safe practices and test-driven development. We don’t follow technology hype – new tools must add something significant to balance the cost of introducing them.
The IC is a developer-founded, developer-run business. Most of our staff are developers. The owner codes. The designer codes. Developers are involved in every sale from the very start. We all work to our own rhythm and we trust everyone to manage their own time and tasks to meet our shared commitments. We encourage people to pursue their interests, undertake their own research projects (as time allows) and demo what they learn to the rest of the team (and, ideally, write about it).
We have always supported flexible work – hours that fit your life, working from our comfy, easy to reach office in Chippendale, from home or remotely. We provide extra leave for birthdays and more the longer you stay.
Benefits
We have practiced flexible work for years before COVID. Many staff work mostly from home or remotely. We work flexible hours – though we try to stick to core hours of 10am to 4pm, Sydney time – and if parenting, family or health issues mean you need a flexible day from time to time, we just adjust.
Our people are a mix of full-time and part-time salaried and long-term contractors with flexible arrangements. We have staff all over Australia and in a few other countries.
In general, if you need to change your working arrangements, we say yes unless we have a good reason to say no.
In addition to standard leave, we give everyone a day off for their birthday and we give salaried staff an extra day of vacation leave for each year they work with us.
All salaried staff get an annual bonus based on the company profit for the last complete financial year they worked.
We have a yoga teacher who tailors a class for us in the office on Thursdays and they are happy to include remote staff who dial in by video. We have a company GoGet membership for staff to use.
Office
Whether you work remotely, from home or on-site, you have access to the IC Sydney office in Chippendale when you’re in town. Located on the top floor, the office has great views of the neighbourhood and of some spectacular sunsets. On sunny days people sometimes work outside on our balcony and some days our founder cooks a barbecue breakfast.
We provide big screens and comfortable chairs. Though the office is open plan, there are various places in the office to take private calls, to relax and read or to have a quiet conversation.
The office has a decent espresso machine and we provide beans (and biscuits), but we’re walking distance from so much good coffee, we often forget. Zomato lists 112 eateries in Chippendale – Spice Alley, Central Park, local favourites like Cafe Giulia or Bibim Bar. Walking distance to lots of food in Redfern or Broadway. So one of the stresses in working with us is deciding where to go for lunch.
The office is an 8 minute walk from Redfern Station, a 12 minute walk from Central Station, 4 minutes from buses on Cleveland Street and 8 minutes from buses on Broadway.