TECH602: Software Development Mentor
About JerseySTEM All JerseySTEM roles are pro-bono (unpaid) positions.JerseySTEM is a mission-driven professional network of pro-bono contributors dedicated to improving access to STEM education and career pathways for underserved middle school girls in New Jersey. Members contribute their professional skills and leverage their networks in service of the organization’s gender-equity agenda.Membership is a minimum six-month commitment of approximately six flexible hours per week and includes a $100 refundable deposit, returned after six months of active membership. K–12 educators, retirees, veterans, interns, and students are exempt from the deposit.
Overview
This is a pro-bono position. JerseySTEM is seeking a Software Development Mentor to support junior developers who design and build software application using technologies such as backend automation modules in Google Apps Script, integrating deeply with Google Workspace APIs such as Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs, Calendar, and Admin SDK. This role focuses on creating reliable services, workflows, and data pipelines that support real operational needs. You will be a member of a small scrum team -- doing hands-on development work, advising/mentoring student interns, and reviewing the interns' work. You will work in an agile environment using GitLab for version control and CI practices and Jira for sprint planning and issue tracking.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain Google Apps Script backend modules to automate internal workflows. Build integrations using Google Workspace APIs, including (but not limited to): Google Sheets API (data processing, reporting, sync) Drive API (file operations, folder structure automation) Gmail API (notifications, inbound/outbound workflow automation) Calendar API (event creation, attendee handling, scheduling logic) Admin SDK (user / group management where applicable) Implement reusable library-style modules and clean coding patterns in Apps Script. Explore opportunities to use AI technology to improve the velocity and code quality of the team. Design data flow logic and enforce data integrity across Sheets/Drive/other systems. Write clear documentation and lightweight technical specs for modules and automations. Collaborate with product/ops stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions. Use GitLab merge requests, code reviews, and branching workflows. Track work via Jira tickets, participate in sprint planning, and deliver iterative updates. Troubleshoot production issues, optimize scripts for performance, and prevent quota overruns. 5-6 hours per week, minimum 6 month commitment
Qualifications
Knowledge or willingness to learn Google Apps Scripting Language Technical background in one of the JerseySTEM Areas Strong leadership/team building skills Resourceful, can-do attitude Comfort working in a ‘virtual organization’ with digital tools (G-Suite, Slack, Jira, salesforce) and scrum teams