DEVELOPER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT COORDINATOR (100%)- WGNHS

Position Description and Position Vacancy Announcement
Application Due Date: 10/15/13

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION VISION: To be a thriving, well-known and sought-out educational resource that reflects the rich diversity of Wisconsin.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PURPOSE: We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging them in transforming lives and communities.

WGNHS MISSION: The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources and water resources of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public. These activities support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual citizens.

WORKING TITLE: Developer and IT Support Coordinator (100%)

OFFICIAL TITLE: Information Processing Consultant (title prefix to be determined)

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS SERVED: Statewide

OFFICE LOCATION: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
This Developer and IT Support Coordinator is a fixed-term academic staff appointment at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey in Cooperative Extension, a division of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Fixed-term academic staff appointments are made on an annual basis, with renewal possible.

POSITION PURPOSE:
This Developer and IT Support Coordinator will contribute to the work of WGNHS through database management, application development, and general technology support. WGNHS has collected and maintained geologic data for over 100 years and is looking for an individual to carry on the work of consolidating and structuring this information. The emergence of new analytical techniques and expectations for high data-availability bring new challenges for both managing and delivering information. Under the supervision of the Information Manager, the Developer/Coordinator will be primarily charged with the design, development, and support of databases and web applications to manage and deliver geologic information. A secondary, but equally critical part of the position includes providing general hardware and software support in collaboration with other IT staff and external support teams.

PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
70% Application and Database Development
– Consult with WGNHS staff to determine the scope and implementation of long-term solutions for the access, management, analysis, and delivery of the results of Survey research
– Design, develop, and maintain new databases; review legacy Microsoft Access and SQL Server databases and make recommendations for consolidation or restructuring; assist in database monitoring for performance and stability; maintain development and testing database instances; maintain database backup and recovery plans
– Plan, develop, test, deploy, and maintain secure database-driven web applications; document user requirements and develop specifications for new applications; develop procedures and workflows for effective data processing and quality control; optimize and document code
– Develop data migration strategies and respond to requests for bulk data loading, data extraction, and query design
– Assist in monitoring of web servers for usage, performance, and security
– Assist in the creation of internal guidelines for software development, such as coding and documentation standards, as well as version control, testing, deployment, and bug tracking procedures
– Develop and deliver training to staff on use of databases and applications
– Assist in administration and maintenance of the Survey’s WordPress CMS/WooCommerce system, including the development and integration of new data-delivery applications
– Participate in professional development opportunities related to database development technology
30% General IT Support Coordination
– Work with the Information Manager to maintain WGNHS IT services through direct support to end-users, supervision of student employees, and coordination with staff from the UW-Madison DoIT Departmental Support team
– Assist in the administration and maintenance of our VMware, Windows Server, Active Directory platform
– Provide input on enterprise IT design decisions
WORKING CONDITIONS:
– Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions
– Occasional work outside of normal business hours
– Lifting and carrying loads of up to 50 pounds

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:
The Developer and IT Support Coordinator aligns the work of this position with Cooperative Extension’s purpose, vision and values in ways that contribute to supportive workplaces. Cooperative Extension’s values of community, discovery, inclusiveness, relationships and respect guide the individual in achieving the position’s primary outcomes.

The Developer/Coordinator is expected to contribute to Cooperative Extension’s scholarly environment as appropriate for the position. Standards of excellence are expected to be maintained throughout the individual’s career.

The Developer/Coordinator actively participates in the shared governance and policy development of the institution, personally or through representatives, to ensure representation in matters affecting academic staff.

This position reports to the Director and State Geologist while fulfilling the duties associated with carrying out the mission of WGNHS and the outreach and educational functions of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. In addition, the position is accountable to the Director and State Geologist regarding professional performance and to the Information Manager for unit program direction, administrative matters and office management.

TO BE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
– Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of professional experience developing database-driven web applications
– Demonstrated competency in web and database development; working knowledge of languages such as C#, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, and SQL
– Experience in the implementation and management of server databases; knowledge of database design procedures and concepts, including data modeling, normalization, data integrity, and security
– Demonstrated strong logical thought process for design and analysis but also the ability to translate business needs of the customer to application functionality
– Experience in providing general IT support to end-users as well as assisting with the monitoring and maintenance of network and server platforms
– Knowledge of Windows operating systems, as well as common desktop software such as Microsoft Office, web browsers, Adobe products
– Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team while utilizing excellent oral and written communication skills to support the research and programs of WGNHS through technology
– Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
– Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
– Avid interest in the field of technology, especially in the areas of data management and web applications
– Background in data management or analysis in the natural sciences; experience with geologic data is a definite plus
– Proficiency with a scripting language such as Python
– Experience using T-SQL and SQL Server databases
– Experience in developing applications that incorporate maps or geospatial data
– Experience with geographic information systems and/or the use of spatial data types
– Experience in management of web services, both IIS and Apache
– Experience with virtualization technology such as VMware
– Experience with Windows Active Directory, Group Policy, and scripting
– Familiarity with software development tools, project and bug tracking applications, and version control systems
– Experience with user interface design with knowledge of best practices

POSITION DESCRIPTION CLARIFICATION:
This position description is not intended to be comprehensive in nature given the changes in primary duties/essential job functions and position expectations that can occur over time in response to emerging and assessed community, program and organizational needs. Changes to this position description are subject to the approval of the Cooperative Extension Human Resource Office and those to whom the position is accountable.

POSITION BENEFITS:
State of Wisconsin benefits, (http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/newemp/orientwrs.pdf), including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request. Please call 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance. Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to: UW- Extension Office of Inclusion; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI 53706.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
1) APPLICATION DUE DATE: To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by October 15, 2013 and include all of the following (WHEN UPLOADING DOCUMENTS, PDF FORMAT IS PREFERRED):

– COVER LETTER (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the minimum qualifications of this position. Please address each of the minimum qualifications and include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response. In addition, feel free to include links to pertinent examples of the your work. Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills.

– PROFESSIONAL RESUME, including related education, professional work history, and volunteer experience.
– CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL WORK REFERENCES, including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor. For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person’s title, e-mail address, and telephone number.
– FINAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies of final college transcripts are acceptable when applying for this position. Official final college transcripts are required upon hire.
Please upload only the materials requested above. Any documents, other than those requested, will be deleted from your application. Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered. Applications received after the application due date will be accepted through the conclusion of the initial application screening process.

2) Optional Confidentiality Form: Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identities remain confidential. The identities of all finalists must be released upon request. Please upload this document along with your other materials. The form can be accessed by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/hr/pdffiles/confidentiality.pdf.

3) A criminal records review will be conducted prior to employment. Completed consent forms will be requested at the time of final interviews. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position.

4) How to apply. Please submit application materials to Cooperative Extension Human Resources online using the URLs below. Once you are in the Candidate Gateway, please make sure to click on the Advanced Search link and enter 9255 into the Job Opening ID field.

– Before you begin the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs). To do so, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser. External applicants can also view the FAQs after accessing the online system by clicking on the “Help” link in the upper right corner. https://helpdesk.wisc.edu/images/group61/21900/TAMFAQ_CandidateGateway.pdf

– If you are applying as an applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.careers.wisconsin.edu/psc/careers/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?SiteId=31

– If you are applying as a current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser:
https://www.hrs.wisconsin.edu/psc/hrs-fd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_POST&Action=U&HRS_PERSON_ID=100374