Complete Description:
DCPS is looking for a technical contractor to support and enhance various data systems here at DCPS. They will work with resources from other DC government agencies as well as external vendors to ensure DCPS needs are met. They will have a strong technical background with a broad set of skills and hands-on technical experience in configuring and debugging a wide range of open-source web application stacks. We are looking for someone with a broad rather than deep skill set who can be tenacious in fixing bugs and keeps current with the open-source community so as to keep appraised of the latest releases of common packages and frameworks.
Primary duties:
• Maintains and supports DC Ed Portal, a customized Liferay application running on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Works with other programs and offices within DCPS to understand overall needs so as to implement strategic rather than tactical solutions
• Investigates new technologies and suggests new solutions to business problems
• Maintains existing applications including ensuring deployed open source solutions are kept up to date with appropriate release version
• Enhances functionality of existing application and fixes bugs by writing and testing new code and modules
• Suggests tools/processes/approaches to help improve application development (ie collaboration, testing, version control, deployment management, etc)
• Supports and carries out the Chancellor’s mission to transform DC Public Schools and close the achievement gap
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Professional/Educational Qualifications:
• Experience in system and database administration or application development using open-source tools/frameworks
• Exceptional Linux/Unix scripting and administration skills supporting a wide range of applications
• Experience in working with AWS tools and interfaces
• Familiarity with the separation of content, presentation, and behavior
• Command of industry development and source code control tools
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
Strong Candidates will have:
• Strong experience in linux server administration and monitoring on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Experience in Liferay (Liferay 6.1) development and administration including exposure to portlet development and Alloy UI and CSS
• Ability to modify and understand code in Java for enhancements, fixes, etc.
• Ability to write SQL (MySql) for database updates and administration
• Ability to write ANT scripts for packing software deployment builds
• Basic Linux/Unix system administration including shell scripting experience and knowledge of NFS setup and configuration
• Very strong with documentation and enforcement of policies and procedures
• Keen sense of maximizing return on investment, focusing on the 80% solutions rather than a fruitless quest for perfection
• Strong self-starter and ability to work independently
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to translate high level technical and business initiatives and goals into discrete tasks and specific timelines
• Excellent communication skills, especially the ability to actively listen and draw out the true needs rather than the stated wants of any given stakeholder
• Strong focus on teamwork and developing the skills of DCPS colleagues both technical and non-technical
Behavior Characteristics:
• Superb problem solving skills and troubleshooting abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong attention to detail
Skills:
Skill
Required / Desired
Amount
of Experience
Expertise Rating
Experience with system and database administration or application development using open-source
Required
5
Years
3 - Expert
Possessing exceptional Linux/Unix scripting talents applicable to a wide range of contexts
Required
5
Years
3 - Expert
Experience with linux server configuration and administration on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Required
2
Years
3 - Expert
Experience with Liferay (Liferay 6.1) development and administration including exposure to portlet development and Alloy UI and CSS
Required
3
Years
2 - Proficient
Ability to write code in Java for enhancements, fixes, etc.
Required
3
Years
2 - Proficient
Ability to write SQL (MySql) for database updates and administration
Highly desired
3
Years
1 - Basic
Ability to write ANT scripts for packing software deployment builds
Highly desired
3
Years
2 - Proficient
Command of industry development and source code control tools
Highly desired
3
Years
2 - Proficient
Exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus
Highly desired
2
Years
1 - Basic
Extensive knowledge of AWS interfaces and maintenance of application stacks using multiple servers (load balancing, n-tier, etc)
Required
3
Years
3 - Expert