Web Computing Specialist -- Position Reposted

WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST

Req #:
67723

Department:
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Appointing Department Web Address:
http://exp.washington.edu/

Job Location:
Seattle Campus

Job Location Detail:
120 Mary Gates Hall

Posting Date:
12/20/2010

Closing Info:
Open Until Filled

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience and education.


Notes
*For priority consideration, please apply by January 11, 2011.
Please note that this position has been re-posted. If you have already submitted your application, you need not submit it again, as it has already been received.



The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The Center for Experiential Learning (EXP), a unit of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, has an outstanding opportunity for a 75-100% WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST to join a dynamic staff committed to enhancing undergraduate learning through its seven programs—the Carlson Leadership & Public Center, Global Opportunities, Jumpstart, Pipeline Project, Mary Gates Endowment for Students, Office of Merit Scholarships & Awards, and the Undergraduate Research Program.

The WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST is responsible for maintaining and developing new features for an office-wide online WEB application called EXP-Online created to enhance EXP program offerings, evaluation, and accessiblity. This tool, built on top of the Ruby on Rails framework, is used by all members of the EXP staff—as well as students, faculty, staff, and community partners—and the WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST is responsible for the architecture, design, planning, implementation, and testing of all aspects of the system.

Examples of the system’s capabilities include online forms for submitting scholarship applications and managing application processes, reading and scoring applications, adding and editing service learning/tutoring positions, managing events, looking up student records, writing and sharing queries and reports, and tracking student participation in EXP programs.

The WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST will work independently as the lead technical person in EXP and in close collaboration with EXP program staff and Undergraduate Academic Affairs technical staff.

Detailed Responsibilities:
Continue to develop, test, implement, maintain and improve EXP-Online and other complex computer-based and/or online programs/database applications in multi-user environments as needed to enhance and improve EXP programs.

Project Managemement
Initiate and manage all phases of planning, developing, maintaining, and updating systems and applications.

System and Process Analysis
Perform systems analysis and program design tasks in determining computer system specifications, developing systems and operational procedures, and developing data models.

Programming and Implementation
Translate detailed logic flow descriptions into coded computer program instructions and database structures. Define and carry out custom extractions from UW Student Database and other sources, including implementation of UW WEB Services, and import information from legacy internal databases. Work with Undergraduate Academic Affairs technical staff in moving existing applications to new operating environments as needed. Devise data verification methods and standard system operation procedures. Consult with and provide technical assistance and training to users.

Documentation
Write system design specifications, process flow descriptions, user interface layouts, and technical specifications. Write and maintain documentation of programs/applications/operational procedures.

Maintenance
Maintain and modify existing programs/applications and related operations such as user interface or report requirements. Support legacy databases until data and processes are migrated to EXP-Online. Work collaboratively with program staff to revise user interface and program features based on user feedback. Provide routine WEBsite upgrades and maintenance as needed for EXP programs.

Other
Consult with EXP program staff on technical hardware and software issues; provide advice and assistance as needed. Perform related duties as required.
May be required to work outside of regular hours to handle system emergencies.

Supervisory responsibilities
None

COMPLEXITIES AND IMPACT
This position requires understanding the urgent nature of maintaining information systems that impact service delivery to the UW and local community. This includes the ability to anticipate system needs and effectively act upon staff and program needs.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field and one year of related experience. Demonstrated proficiency and experience in developing complex computer-based and online programs/applications and databases, designing relational databases and system documentation.

Experience with some or all of the following:
1) Using the Ruby on Rails framework and the Ruby programming language;
2) Designing user-interfaces based on the MVC architecture pattern;
3) HTML, SQL, JavaScript, XML, AJAX, Subversion

Excellent communication skills and experience working within a team environment.
The WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST should be a self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently.

This position requires the ability to interact with a diverse community of professional and student staff. The WEB COMPUTING SPECIALIST must enjoy working in a student-centered academic services environment.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:
Experience as a lead programmer and project manager.


Condition of Employment:
This position is an important staff member of the Center for Experiential Learning. It is temporarily located in shared office space in the Dean's office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs until May, 2011, when the entire Center will be relocated in a newly remodeled space on the first floor of Mary Gates Hall where the position will have a private office space.

A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification may be required prior to hire.

Application Process:
Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessment(s) will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.


The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu.