Web and Applications Developer

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University (RGU) – Aberdeen’s university of choice for thousands of staff and students - has a well-established reputation as an innovative and modern workplace, with multiple awards and recognition of our courses and Schools.

We are looking for a Web and Applications Developer to provide technical expertise and resource to support and develop web services and applications within the University.  

As part of this role you will participate in the support of existing services, development of application software using appropriate current technologies and programming languages, as well as providing internal support for third-party applications and receiving and resolving reported faults with the University’s application development and web environment.  

With a First Degree in a relevant subject as well as significant knowledge and experience of developing applications for the web with an understanding of Object Oriented coding concepts and techniques, you will provide technical expertise and resource to participate directly in the planning and delivery of web/application development and projects. A strong understanding of one or more leading web application technologies will be essential.

Salary on first appointment is normally to the bottom of the scale, although in exceptional circumstances an appointment further up the scale may be considered.  The advertised salary includes a market supplement of £7,761 per annum (pro rata). This supplement is reviewed biennially and may be amended or withdrawn in line with agreed University pay policies.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

RGU's ultra-modern campus, located on the outskirts of the vibrant and prosperous city of Aberdeen, offers a superb place to live, work and develop your career. A relocation package is available to assist with your transition to the area.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the post against the requirements set out in the person specification.

Interviews will take place during week of 27th February 2023.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Web and Applications Team Lead

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No Supervisory Responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: To provide technical expertise and resource to support and develop web service and applications within the University.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

To participate in the development and support in-house and third-party application software using appropriate current technologies.

To maintain an awareness of current and emerging technologies and methodologies across the application development lifecycle and how they could be applied within the University environment.

To receive and resolve reported faults with the University’s application development and Web environment.

To work with the Web and Application Team Leader and Senior Web and Applications Developer to contribute to the analysis of reported faults, to contribute to the development of Web and application monitoring procedures and to contribute to the analysis of these systems.

To provide technical expertise and resource to participate directly in the planning and delivery of web/ application development projects, which may be related to expansion, upgrading or rationalisation or associated with developments within the University.

To participate and assist in the definition of detailed technical standards for web / application developments working under the guidance of the Lead Web Applications Developer.

To participate and assist in the definition of a comprehensive set of procedures through which the operating performance and capacity utilisation of the IT Web Infrastructure can be monitored either automatically or by junior technical staff.

To assist the Web & Application Team Leader and Senior Web & Applications Developer in the analysis of the Web / Applications performance measures and to use these measures along with an understanding of technology trends, the University’s IT Strategy and user growth projections to contribute to forward Web / Applications Infrastructure design and planning.

To ensure work is delivered in accordance to the current IT security and quality standards and procedures, and as technical resource to directly contribute to the ongoing development of these standards and procedures.

To ensure that all relevant documentation is maintained to reflect ongoing changes to the University’s development environment.

To share and disseminate information and understanding about different technologies and systems across the web development team, through one-to-one meetings or team workshops.

To act as a mentor to colleagues, developing their technical expertise and understanding.

Ensure that staff work to agreed health and safety systems of work. Carry out risk assessments and audits as required.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

First Degree or for exceptional candidates, significant working experience and a demonstrable track record will be accepted as an alternative.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of PHP and one or more leading web application technologies such as ASP.NET, C# or Coldfusion, and their associated technologies such as HTML, CSS, Javascript and XML, and development frameworks.  Good understanding of Object Oriented coding concepts and techniques

Understanding of working in a development team, with Integrated development environments and Source Control systems, such as Subversion (SVN) or GIT.

Demonstration of positive self-motivated attitude towards learning and development.

Experience

Significant knowledge and experience of developing applications for the web, through design to implementation.

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Other Professional Qualifications in programming or associated technologies.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the Sharepoint Online would be advantageous.

Familiar with concepts of Agile development methodology, including sprints/iterations, scrums etc.  

Familiar with concepts of Unit Testing and Test Driven Development.

An understanding of working with mobile platforms.

Experience

Working experience of Windows Operating Systems. Working experience of Linux Operating Systems.

Experience providing application development and support services in an environment servicing 500+ users.

Experience of mixed server operating systems, including Windows NT/2000/2003/XP, Netware and Unix/Linux.

Experience of working within the context of formally defined and managed implementation projects, working to strict deadlines, deliverables and objectives.

 

Unsociable Hours

May be required to work additional hours from time to time, particularly during major upgrades / implementations and in the case of service incidents.

Travel

Travel within the UK to other institutions or suppliers from time to time.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication

Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery

Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 3: Initiative and Problem Solving

Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.

Behaviour 4: Planning and Organising Resources

Experience of planning, prioritising and organising your own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives.

Behaviour 5: Team Development

Experience of: providing advice or guidance to new starts; delivering training or instruction to others on specific tasks or activities.