Genealogy Software Developer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital data, the focus on genealogy software developers has never been more pronounced.

As technology progresses, the demand for skilled individuals who can design, refine and secure our genealogical software systems escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a genealogy software developer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of genealogy software development,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable genealogy software developer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Genealogy Software Developer Duties and Responsibilities

Genealogy Software Developers focus on creating and improving software that assists users in researching and cataloging their family history.

They combine their knowledge of programming with an understanding of genealogical research to provide a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of tracing lineage.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyze the needs and requirements of users, including genealogists and hobbyists
• Design, test, and develop genealogy software to meet those requirements
• Implement features for tracing family histories, such as lineage charts, search tools, and data entry fields
• Enhance the functionality and user experience of the software, making it intuitive and easy to use
• Recommend and implement upgrades for existing software to improve its performance or add new features
• Create documentation for the software that serves as a reference for users and for future upgrades and maintenance
• Ensure the software’s compatibility with various data formats and sources used in genealogical research
• Fix bugs and respond to user feedback to continually improve the software
• Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in both the fields of software development and genealogy

 

Genealogy Software Developer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Genealogy Software Developer to create, design, and maintain software solutions for genealogical research and data management.

You will be responsible for identifying user requirements, defining system functionality, and writing code in various languages, such as Python, Java or Ruby on Rails.

The ideal candidate should be familiar with the genealogical data and records, have an understanding of genealogical research methods, and be capable of applying these in a software development context.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement genealogy software applications
• Understand and incorporate genealogical research methodologies into software design
• Execute the complete software development life cycle (SDLC)
• Create flowcharts, layouts and documentation to illustrate requirements and solutions
• Integrate software components into a fully functional software system
• Develop software verification plans and quality assurance procedures
• Maintain and improve the performance of existing software
• Design and update software database
• Recommend improvements to existing software programs as necessary
• Comply with project plans and industry standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a software developer
• Experience with genealogical research or a strong interest in genealogy
• Ability to develop software in Python, Java, Ruby on Rails, or other programming languages
• Excellent knowledge of relational databases, SQL and ORM technologies
• Experience developing web applications using popular web frameworks
• Proficiency in software engineering tools
• Ability to document requirements and specifications
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Genealogy Software Developer
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for conferences or user testing.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Product Development or Software Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 to $140,000
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Genealogy Software Developer Do?

A Genealogy Software Developer is a specialized software engineer or developer who works primarily with genealogy or family history applications.

Their main tasks involve creating and maintaining genealogy software which is designed to help users in researching, organizing, and storing their family history data.

This can include everything from basic family trees to comprehensive databases of historical records.

They often work closely with genealogists and historians to understand the specific needs and challenges of genealogy research.

This can help them design more effective and user-friendly software features, such as intuitive search functions, easy-to-use data entry forms, and robust data visualization tools.

In addition to coding and design, a Genealogy Software Developer also often handles testing and debugging of the software, to ensure it works smoothly and efficiently.

This can involve resolving any technical issues, optimizing performance, and ensuring the software is compatible with various devices and operating systems.

They also often collaborate with other developers, designers, and product managers to improve the software based on user feedback and to implement new features or updates.

Their role also involves staying updated with the latest technologies and trends in both software development and genealogy research, to ensure their software continues to meet the needs of its users.

Finally, they may also provide technical support and guidance to users, helping them to understand how to use the software effectively and troubleshoot any issues they may encounter.

 

Genealogy Software Developer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Genealogy Software Developer should possess skills and qualifications that align with this specific role, including:

• Strong understanding of genealogical research and the unique needs of genealogy enthusiasts, in order to develop software that fulfills these requirements.
• Advanced technical skills in various programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ to develop and optimize genealogy software.
• Experience with database systems like SQL or MongoDB to handle the vast amount of data involved in genealogical research.
• Superb problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise during the development, implementation, and maintenance phases of the software.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with team members, stakeholders, and users, ensuring all software requirements are met and any technical issues are promptly addressed.
• Attention to detail and an analytical mindset to ensure the accuracy of genealogical data and the reliability of the software.
• Understanding of user interface and user experience design to create software that is easy to navigate and user-friendly for individuals with varying levels of technical proficiency.
• Experience or familiarity with genealogical standards and guidelines, such as GEDCOM, to ensure the software’s compatibility with other genealogical tools.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, contributing to the overall success of the project.

 

Genealogy Software Developer Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of a Genealogy Software Developer usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, commonly gained through an internship or part-time role in software development, specifically in genealogy software or related fields like bioinformatics or data science.

These professionals can also gain practical experience in roles such as Software Developer, Quality Assurance Tester, Bioinformatics Software Developer, or other IT-related roles that have a strong focus on data management and analysis.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often possess advanced technical skills and knowledge, usually developed in entry-level Genealogy Software Developer or Software Engineer roles.

They are likely to have knowledge and experience in using and developing tools for genealogical research, including databases, algorithms, and user interfaces.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may already have some leadership experience under their belts and could be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They might also have a track record of successful genealogy software development projects, which could include designing user-friendly interfaces, developing algorithms for ancestry tracing, or creating efficient databases for storing and retrieving genealogical data.

In addition, due to the specialized nature of genealogy software, developers might also be expected to have a good understanding of genealogical research methods, genetics, and related fields.

This could be gained through formal education, self-study, or work experience in these areas.

 

Genealogy Software Developer Education and Training Requirements

Genealogy Software Developers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

They should have a sound understanding of programming and be familiar with languages such as Python, Java, C#, and others.

Knowledge of database management systems is also a key requirement for this role, as they will often work with large databases of genealogical information.

Given the specialized nature of their work, they may also require a background in genealogy or history, or significant experience working with genealogical data.

This could be gained through a degree in genealogy, history, or a related field, or through experience in a genealogical or historical research role.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a specific IT or software engineering discipline, or in a field related to genealogy or history.

A master’s degree can demonstrate advanced knowledge and dedication to ongoing learning in the genealogy field.

Candidates may also benefit from certification in various technological systems, programming languages, or software development methodologies.

Certifications relevant to genealogical research, such as those offered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, may also be beneficial.

On-the-job training is also crucial as it helps the Genealogy Software Developer to understand the specific software development needs and challenges in the genealogy field.

This may involve working closely with genealogists and historical researchers to understand their needs and ensure that the software developed meets these needs.

 

Genealogy Software Developer Salary Expectations

A Genealogy Software Developer earns an average salary of $86,440 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Genealogy Software Developer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Genealogy Software Developer need?

Genealogy Software Developers should have a strong background in software development, including knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, and C#.

They should also have a good understanding of database management systems.

Additionally, they need to have a strong interest in genealogy and be able to understand and integrate genealogical research techniques into the software they develop.

Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills are also beneficial for this role.

 

Do Genealogy Software Developers need a degree?

Most Genealogy Software Developers are required to have a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Some might have degrees or backgrounds in history or anthropology, especially if they specialize in genealogy.

However, actual software development skills and a strong understanding of genealogy are often more important than formal education in this field.

 

What should you look for in a Genealogy Software Developer resume?

Look for a solid background in software development, including familiarity with multiple programming languages and database systems.

It’s also important to look for experience or interest in genealogy.

This could include personal genealogical research, volunteer work, or previous employment in the field of genealogy.

Any additional skills or knowledge related to history, anthropology, or data analysis could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Genealogy Software Developer?

A good Genealogy Software Developer is not only proficient in software development but also has a genuine interest in genealogy.

They should be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to think creatively to solve problems.

They should also be self-driven, as they may need to learn new technologies or genealogical research methods on their own.

Good communication skills are also important, as they may need to collaborate with other team members or interact with users to gather requirements or feedback.

 

Is it difficult to hire Genealogy Software Developers?

It can be challenging to find Genealogy Software Developers due to the specialized nature of the role.

Not only must they be skilled in software development, but they also need a strong understanding of genealogy.

Therefore, it may take time and effort to find candidates who have both of these skill sets.

However, offering competitive salaries, engaging work, and opportunities for learning and growth can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so, the mystery unravels.

We’ve just delved into the intricate world of a genealogy software developer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about weaving programming language.

It’s about skillfully creating the digital blueprints of our roots, one line of code at a time.

Armed with our handy genealogy software developer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready for the next phase.

But why stop at readiness?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to crafting pitch-perfect job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Each code string contributes to a grander narrative.

Let’s construct that narrative. United in purpose.

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