Assistant (LaTeX) Publications Technical Support Specialist

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs. The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC.

WHY WORK AT THE AMS

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

1. 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan
2. 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
3. Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share
4. Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
5. 12 paid holidays
6. Generous paid time off
7. Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
8. Tuition reimbursement
9. Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a welcoming environmentSUMMARY:

   The Assistant Technical Support Specialist works within the Technical Editing Group (TEG) to process author-prepared book and journal submissions, primarily using the LaTeX document preparation system. The position requires a highly detail-oriented individual who possesses strong technical, analytical, research, and communication skills.

   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

   Technical:

10. Prepare LaTeX and graphic files received from authors for copy editing and composition.
11. Make corrections to LaTeX files in response to requests from Production Editors and authors.
12. Coordinate with Creative Services to prepare graphics files.
13. Code complicated mathematics and text in LaTeX.
14. Provide technical support to authors and Production Editors.
15. Aid in the conversion of LaTeX source files to high-quality online products (e.g., HTML and EPUB).
16. Understand how TEG functions as a part of the overall AMS publishing program, and how its work affects other aspects of the production process.Administrative:
17. Complete assigned tasks on schedule or notify appropriate staff promptly when delays are inevitable. Work with other staff and supervisors to resolve problems behind such delays.
18. Communicate with Production Editors and other staff regarding assigned projects.
19. Communicate with authors and editors as necessary.
20. Maintain accuracy and completeness of the publications tracking data.
21. Contribute information for status reports.
22. Participate in trouble-shooting to resolve problems.
23. Write and maintain documentation.
24. Perform other administrative duties as needed.
    INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:
25. Works within the Information Systems Department of the Computer Services Division.
26. Works in close collaboration with the Publications Technical Group.
27. Works with Productions Editors and other members of the Publications Department.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
28. NoneQUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
29. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
30. Willingness to engage in on-the-job learning in both group and individual settings.
31. Basic familiarity with the LaTeX document processing system and how to create simple documents using it. Ability and willingness to extend this to a comprehensive knowledge of LaTeX, including a wide array of add-on packages, within a reasonable time frame.
32. Facility with basic file management using the Linux operating system or willingness to acquire such knowledge within one year.
33. Good working knowledge of the GNU Emacs editor or willingness to acquire such knowledge within one year.
34. Demonstrable analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
35. Basic understanding of mathematical notation, structure, and typographical conventions.
36. This position requires an individual who is very creative. They will be required to work through difficult design challenges on their own and with the benefit of input from others. The department requires people with a desire to work in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment and participate in a team setting.ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES: The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:
37. Demonstrates understanding of organization's mission, structure, culture, and constituencies
38. Demonstrates knowledge of own department's work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department
39. Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace
40. Demonstrates flexibility in responding to work demands
41. Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect
42. Plans and organizes work effectively
43. Accepts accountability for job performance and results
44. Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
45. Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation
46. Maintains professional composure in challenging situations
47. Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information
48. Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments
49. Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best resultsPHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
50. Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion
51. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices
52. Duties at meetings and conferences require long periods of standing and walkingWORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
53. Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise
54. Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 25lbs
55. Extended work hours may be required in the office to meet project deadlines, resolve unexpected problems.
56. On-call availability to support production systems
57. Some travel may be required for the purpose of off-site professional development
58. This position is required to be in-office with hybrid potentialOther duties disclaimer: This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform.
59. American Mathematical Society is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The AMS supports equality of opportunity and treatment for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability status, economic background, veteran, or immigration status, or any other social or physical component of their identity.