Scrum Master (Contract to Hire)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Scrum Master
Location: Columbus, OH (In Office Tues and Wed - Remote Mon, Thu, Fri)
Duration: 01/06/2025 - 01/05/2026 (Strong possibility of extension or direct hire)
Rate: $60 - $67/hour
Contract Type: W-2 only, no visa sponsorships or subcontracting

Scope of Service:

We are seeking an experienced Scrum Master for a 12-month temp-to-hire contract, focusing on promoting and supporting Scrum practices to drive the success of the Scrum Team. The Scrum Master will be responsible for helping the team understand Scrum theory, practices, rules, and values, ensuring that goals, scope, and product domains are clearly understood by everyone on the team. The Scrum Master will act as a servant-leader, guiding the Scrum Team (Product Owner, Development Team, and Scrum Master) and stakeholders in their interactions to foster a collaborative and effective environment. The Scrum Master will also be responsible for facilitating Scrum events, resolving impediments, and coaching the team on Agile practices to ensure the successful delivery of business value.

Role, Responsibilities & Deliverables:

• Assess the Scrum maturity of the team and coach them to higher levels of maturity at a sustainable pace, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Guide the team and organization on how to implement and use Scrum and Agile practices, helping the team to adapt to these methodologies.
• Oversee Scrum processes, coach the team, and facilitate a transparent and adaptive team culture to ensure continuous improvement and delivery.
• Facilitate daily Scrum meetings, sprint planning, and sprint review meetings in a way that engages the entire team and fosters effective collaboration.
• Support and educate the Product Owner, particularly in refining and maintaining the product backlog and release planning.
• Assist in removing impediments that hinder the team’s success, such as resolving logistical challenges or addressing cultural barriers, and ensure visibility of the team’s progress to all stakeholders.
• Encourage collaboration and cross-training within the team, fostering close cooperation and knowledge sharing
• Act as a buffer between the team and external distractions, ensuring the team can focus on their work without interference.
• Promote an Agile mindset through ongoing coaching, role-playing, and dialogue, driving continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Establish a safe and trusting environment where team members feel comfortable raising problems without fear of punishment.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration both inside and outside of the team to ensure alignment and continuous progress.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Scrum Master, leading Agile teams in a dynamic environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• A passion for innovation with a "can-do" attitude and strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to build trust and rapport within teams, fostering a collaborative and effective workplace.
• Skilled at mediating conflicts within the team before they escalate into larger issues, maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment.
• Experience coaching teams on Agile practices and ensuring adherence to Scrum methodologies to deliver maximum business value on time.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively explain complex concepts and teach new ideas to team members and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with experience in scheduling meetings, identifying risks and dependencies, and coordinating resources across teams.
• High-energy, passionate outlook with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Certified Scrum Master (PSM I and PSM II).
• Ability to encourage innovative thinking and continuous self-improvement within the team.
• Confident and skilled in navigating the team through challenges and roadblocks to ensure on-time delivery of sprints.
• Previous experience as a developer is a plus.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies, particularly in Scrum Master or similar roles.
• Familiarity with the Energy Industry and related technologies.