SCRUM MASTER (contract) - job 1 of 2

As a Scrum Master with us, your primary responsibilities include leading two US-based Kanban scrum teams, coaching team members to improve metrics, and participating in planning initiatives. You will also analyze Scrum challenges, work on resolving complex issues, and ensure the team adheres to Agile best practices within our environment.

To qualify for the Scrum Master position in Des Moines, IA, you must have a strong understanding of Scrum and Kanban methodologies, previous experience leading scrum teams, and Agile coaching. Additionally, familiarity with Jira, JQL, and Confluence is essential, and you must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

In this role as a Scrum Master, you will frequently use important tools such as Jira for managing project workflows and team tasks, JQL for creating complex queries, and Confluence for documentation and collaboration. These tools are vital in helping you foster an Agile environment and drive team performance.

The Scrum Master position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa support to qualify for this contract role.

Our 18-month Scrum Master contract position offers a range of benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, a 401K plan, and voluntary benefits to ensure that you are well-supported throughout your engagement with us.

When asked about your experience with Agile methodologies, provide specific examples of projects where you implemented Scrum or Kanban frameworks. Highlight your role in coaching teams, facilitating ceremonies, and how you helped drive successful project outcomes.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of open communication and active listening. Give examples of how you've mediated disputes or facilitated discussions to foster a collaborative environment.

Mention the tracking tools you are familiar with, such as Jira. Explain how you leverage these tools to measure metrics and improve team performance, providing specific examples of how data-driven decisions have enhanced team outcomes.

Explain your process for prioritizing tasks, incorporating aspects of the backlog refinement process and discussions with Product Owners. Highlight your ability to balance team workload while ensuring alignment with project goals.

Share a specific challenge you faced, focusing on the steps you took to resolve it using Agile principles. Emphasize your analytical skills, teamwork, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that are important in a Scrum environment, such as team velocity, cycle time, and sprint burndown charts. Explain how you use these metrics for team improvement and sprint planning.

Highlight your role in promoting Agile practices through regular training, coaching sessions, and by setting a good example as a Scrum Master. Discuss how you encourage teams to self-organize and hold each other accountable.

Explain your approach to backlog management, including regular grooming sessions, collaboration with the Product Owner, and how you ensure that the backlog reflects the team's capacity and priorities.

Describe techniques you use for effective communication, such as regular stakeholder meetings, transparent reporting, and ensuring team members are prepared to present updates and feedback during retrospectives.

Discuss your understanding of Agile principles and how they facilitate flexibility, customer feedback integration, and faster time to market. Cite examples of successful projects where Agile methodologies made a difference.