At the CDIA we have separate tracks for Web Designers and Web Developers. The rough cut difference is client/server. In teaching there I have found huge differences between the high and low performers on these two very different topics. Extraordinary artist and designers are non-linear thinkers. Non-linear thinkers do not make good programmers. Good programmers rarely have great artistic vision. By combining these two characteristics, the job posting puts me at unease, since I have seen a lot of post-graduate students come through these classes and I have never seen any of them that would be a home-run candidate. Instead their skills and knowledge would knock your socks off in several of the job skills, but not in all of them. CDIA graduates are sought after by ad agencies, publicists, and online publishers. Our graduates would be recruited by (for example) the Discovery Channel. They would join a team of specialists where they would work cheek-to-jowl with other specialists. There would be a "goto" guy for PHP, for data base design and administration, for jQuery, for CSS, etc. Lots of room for learning and growth, and personal exposure to individuals with a depth of expertise. If the job posting spoke a little more about the work environment and the colleagues it might be more attractive. It sounds (to me at least) like you could really use a team of experts, but you're looking for one person.
You mentioned "projects for over seven years." Is this a seven year contract?
As someone who worked in Lanham at GSFC, I must also comment that the salary range is important and should be explicitly stated. Not everything at NASA is about landing on Mars, and some of the work environments at GSFC are basement jobs with poor access to amenities like a decent place to eat lunch. You can overcome these dissatisfiers if you're offering a salary that is meaningfully higher than what the Government pays to employees who work at the same location. If you're not offering a higher salary, then I would be left to ponder why I would not just choose the security of a Government job. Just a thought.
With regard to this: "Solid track record delivering successful Web-based applications through the full product life cycle" all I can say is that two years of post-graduate work is not enough to meet expectations. If that's a requirement, you're not looking for a junior developer. I would interpret "junior" to mean above the level of intern, but still learning the technologies and not expected to work independently. I would interpret mid-level to mean having some experience in the technologies (perhaps having a teaching library of "problem-solved" examples) and able to work independently on assigned projects, with reasonable discretion in choices of methods and directions. A mid-level developer can join the team and become productive within a few days.
The combination of "2 years experience" and all the breadth of software skills makes me think that the job posting lacks consolidation of thought. This is not really uncommon when HR departments (who often have no appreciation of the acronyms they choose and use) write the job descriptions. So I'm firmly in the "reverse-engineer" camp. Start by looking at this job from the viewpoint of the prospective employee. What will she really be doing? How many are on the team? What are the comparable levels of expertise? Why will this be fun? What are the opportunities for advancement? What are some of the URLs that need support? Some of these interesting and specific details may help make the job more attractive.
HTH, Ray
On Tuesday, August 14, 2012 12:18:28 PM UTC-4, Paul Przyborski wrote:
I work for a Gov. contractor, and recently we've had a position come up for a web developer. IMO, we are looking for an "educated junior" for the position. In other words, someone who can come in, be self directed, and be able to spearhead several projects, but we aren't looking for someone with 20 years in the industry. We've had the position advertised for a while, but we haven't gotten very many responses (under 10 at this point by my best guess).--So I turn to you folks - what are we doing wrong? Are we saying to much? Are we saying not enough? Below is the job description.FYI - I'm not the HR person. I'm they guy sharing the office with this new hire (kinda in the senior position, but not officially). I used to do this job before moving to my current position. I enjoyed it, and I know someone else would as well.Web Developer (Full Time)
Location: Lanham, MD
Web Developer/Programmer to support work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. This position is responsible for multiple websites central to the education and public outreach efforts of many NASA Earth Science organizations, missions, and projects. The ideal candidate will work directly with scientists and support staff to create interesting and informative websites that effectively communicates research efforts and findings. While part of a larger team, this position requires a well-rounded set of skills, as the majority of the work is self-directed/supported. Duties will include designing, developing, and testing user-friendly Web applications; translating user requirements into robust and consumer-friendly Web applications; contributing creative ideas and development techniques; maintaining existing PHP & MySQL-based web applications; and maintaining content on multiple websites using a combination of static pages, commercial, and proprietary content management systems.
Requirements:
- BS or higher in Computer Science, Information Systems, Web Design/Development or comparable degree/equivalent experience and 2 yrs experience in commercial or government Web application development programming
- Solid track record delivering successful Web-based applications through the full product life cycle
- Excellent, software/platform-independent HTML (4&5), PHP, CSS (2&3), and JavaScript/JQuery development skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of best practices in web application security
- Working knowledge of MySQL 5.x database design and administration, SQL, and query optimization
- Working knowledge of Photoshop and basic graphic design principles
- Understanding of Section 508 requirements for accessibility
- Working knowledge of Subversion or other version control systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated appreciation for user experience and user interface design
- Ability to learn quickly, self-direct on a small team, establish timelines, and deliver products within deadlines
Desirables:
- Knowledge of LINUX system administration
- Knowledge of Apache HTTPD server configuration
- Web server security training (GWUX/GSIP, CISSP, or equivalent)
- Experience in user interface design, usability testing, and/or information architecture development
- Experience with Drupal and/or WordPress
- Understanding of Ajax and similar Web 2.0 technologies
- Understanding of object oriented programming language
- Strong interest in NASA and earth science
- Experience developing commercial websites for ecommerce
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