Web Developer - Toolik Field Station
Tuesday, September 05, 2023 11:55 AM

Web Developer

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    • JOB NUMBER:525525
    • CLASSIFICATION:Information Systems Professional 3A
    • GRADE:Grade 80
    • WORK TYPE:Hybrid, On Campus, Remote, Remote within Alaska, Staff Full-time
    • ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:University of Alaska Fairbanks
    • SCHOOL/BUSINESS UNIT:UAF Institute of Arctic Biology
    • LOCATION:Fairbanks
    • CATEGORIES:Information Systems/Technology, Engineering/Computer Science

     

    Position Summary:

    Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). TFS provides logistical, operational, and scientific support to visiting scientists conducting Arctic research. TFS is seeking a full-time web developer to join our team. The web (full-stack) developer will have both front- and back-end web experience with a strong emphasis on web-based application and services development. They will continue the development of the Toolik Field Station website (front-end) and our web based applications through a dashboard that we call myToolik (back-end). This dashboard is database driven and has become fundamental to the day to day operations of the station to both staff and researchers visiting the station. Each member of our staff is committed to working to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. Toolik Field Station is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment to everyone at the station. We believe diversity benefits and enriches the Toolik community.

     

     

    Duties:

     

    Communication Under intermittent supervision of the Spatial and Environmental Data Center Manager, communicate with the Toolik Field Station staff about their needs for the web application system and website development. Communicate ideas in both technician and user-friendly language. Under administrative supervision by the SEDC Manager coordinate to prioritize competing web and web development needs.
    Troubleshooting Provide technical guidance, support, and training in the use of hardware, software, data storage, and security; and coordinate with staff at the UAF Office of Information Technology as needed. Analyze the potential causes of software and service problems, and implement solutions.
    Website development Toolik Field Station website provides access to information about TFS and an avenue to the myToolik System. Operate and maintain the TFS website in the UA’s web content management system by planning and developing website architectures, navigation schemes and page layouts using current web frameworks and scripting languages. Review major website changes with the TFS staff for comments and feedback. Regularly consult with staff to review pages and ensure content is up to date, accurate and organized appropriately. Collaborate with staff to create additional web-based applications for the website, such as the meteorological data query, plant herbarium, and the interactive guides (birds, mammals, fish, plants). Troubleshoot and resolve website problems or issues as they arise. Consult with University Relations staff to ensure compatibility of the Toolik website with UAF web and graphic guidelines. Follow ADA web accessibility standards. Ensure that all web-based applications and services are secure and comply with security recommendations and standards. Resolve issues as they occur.
    Server Administration Maintain and update multiple servers running Windows Server operating systems. Configure IIS web server. Renew and install security certificates. Perform software updates. Create and configure scheduled tasks. Make requests to and work with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) for user access as needed. Keep up-to-date on server systems that are used in similar work environments.
    Web application development Be the primary developer on a small cross-functional team in order to generate and automate business reports, dashboards/visualizations, data quality feedback loops/reports, and ad hoc reporting to support the decision making needs of Toolik Field Station staff and researchers. Identify opportunities for improvement and assess new technology and concepts that can add value to the use of information resources. Responsibilities include maintaining the performance, integrity and security of databases, websites, and web applications critical to Toolik Field Station operations. Maintenance and upkeep of the existing apps. Development of new components to the web applications in order to streamline data acquisition, communication, and planning of events and awards. Maintain and further develop the database management system using PHP and SQL best practices. Define, design and maintain a well integrated enterprise data management system, including data models, databases, analytics tools, and manages all associated access, metadata, data quality, data governance and other components that meet present and future needs of the myToolik System. Develop solutions for improving the usability and accessibility of the web applications. Implement web security protocols and updates to guard against online attacks. Collaborate closely with TFS Staff to develop specifications, goals, deliverables and timelines for web applications. Provide recommendations and implement solutions to improve, simplify and automate reporting processes, data usage, data quality/integrity and data analysis.
    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Strong knowledge of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
    Strong knowledge of SQL and PHP.
    Ability to work with database administration tools, including but not limited to phpMyAdmin.
    Strong knowledge of data structures and ability to efficiently query/transform data using SQL.
    Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or related and have a strong grasp of at least one.
    Strong working knowledge of programmatic flow including looping and conditionals.
    Strong knowledge of Content Management System (CMS) like Omni CMS.
    Knowledge of WCAG 2.0/Section 508/ADA for accessible and responsive design.
    On the job experience with collaborative design to support reporting, statistical analysis and ad hoc requests.
    Ability to conduct research into data quality issues and outliers.
    Ability to deploy, operate, and maintain web applications.
    Skilled at managing the day-to-day operation and maintenance of web applications and related hosting resources.
    Ability to think big picture and dive deep into details.
    Ability to maintain Network servers and certificates.
    Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
    Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language
    Strong negotiation, facilitation and consensus building skills
    Highly self-motivated and self-directed, with an ability to bring enthusiasm and energy to foster a collaborative team environment.
       
    REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

    Bachelor's degree in computer science, software development, software engineering or related field or equivalent education and experience.

    A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
    Programming web applications
    Operating, maintaining, and supporting web applications
    Gathering requirements, planning and documenting work, and leading the development of web projects

    Experience with two of the three computer languages HTML, JAVA, Python, CSS, or other related languages.

    Experience querying databases with SQL or similar.
    SALARY INFORMATION:

    This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience.
    SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

    Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references with your application.

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified.

    Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

    In the interview stage of the selection process, an example of your work will be requested.

     

    *To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

    The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

    UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

    The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

    Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

    If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Abby Dunham, Institute of Arctic Biology HR Coordinator, at [email protected] or (907) 474-7463.

    ADVERTISED:28 Aug 2023  Alaskan Daylight Time
    APPLICATIONS CLOSE:Open until filled