Job Posting--Web Services Systems Analyst/Programmer-- Washington, DC

[Alexandra Gomes]

Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library
The George Washington University Medical Center
Position Description
Web Services Systems Analyst/Programmer

Position Summary

Working in partnership with the Library's Web Services Coordinator, provides leadership and direction for Web Services Department.  Works with GWUMC departments to ensure cohesive design of overall site.  Researches and implements new and standards compliant technologies to enhance GWUMC site (such as providing online discussion and/or chat boards, portal, Intranet sites, Content Management Systems).

Manages server maintenance, including daily and weekly incremental backups of web content, installing OS and ColdFusion (CF) patches and updates (in coordination with CASS).  Appoints one or more staff members to serve as backup.

Handles web and FTP server log reports; analyzes logs for intrusion attempts and for FTP account maintenance purposes.  Checks CF server logs for routine maintenance and debugging purposes; checks CF email logs to ensure no failed emails are "stuck" on the server.  In case of debugging logs, forwards reports and/or raw logs to web designer/developer as necessary.

The majority of the Web Systems Analyst/Programmer's duties will be based on creating web applications, using web forms as the primary method of interaction between the user and the application. A strong working knowledge of X/HTML and accessibility laws and guidelines is required.

The Analyst/Programmer will be the primary contact for all custom web-based applications.  If the given project also includes a web-design component, the Medical Center Web Designer will work closely with the programmer to develop the overall site and design.

Requests server and/or workstation upgrades (hardware and software) or purchases as necessary.

Duties
Programming Duties:

* Responsible for majority of application programming on the GWUMC web servers.  In particular, all programming that is used by multiple GWUMC departments (i.e., applications that can be made generally available, or that can be of use to multiple departments, such as the News and Events Database or the File Management applications).
* Document all application development projects.
* Responsible for general application security on the servers.  This is accomplished by periodic code reviews and setting/enforcing policies.  Some code security can be implemented using ColdFusion "security sandboxes."  Further security is implemented at the web server level (using standard security settings on the server, installing and verifying URLScan, etc.).
* Provide technical assistance and debugging help for departments using ColdFusion on the server.  This includes setting up datasources for ColdFusion and ensuring that any necessary security settings are enabled for the type of application in use.  Also includes examining code for errors and debugging purposes; at times this may require rewriting the original code completely.
* Manage accounts on the GWUMC "Control Panel" for departmental / individual access to Medical Center-wide applications.
* Develop additional "custom" applications for Medical Center departments on an as-requested basis.

Server Maintenance Duties:
General Maintenance and Patch Management
* Maintain IIS settings on primary and backup web servers; document all changes and settings; ensure that servers remain synchronized.
* Monitors Macromedia, Ipswitch, and Microsoft websites for updates and patches for software installed on server. Install updates and patches as needed.  Install patches on backup server for testing prior to installing on primary server.
* Follow best practices procedures in rebooting the primary web server(s) and database server(s).   

Backups and Server Synchronization
* Daily and weekly incremental backups of web content.  Monthly backups of web content to CD. Maintain off-site backups.
* Daily synchronization of web content files between primary and backup web servers.
* Maintain FTP user database; synchronize settings between primary and backup web servers.
* Synchronize all ColdFusion settings between servers. Maintain documentation on all server settings. Routine maintenance of CF server settings (quarterly basis) to ensure any obsolete settings are removed.
* Periodic backups of SQL Server databases.

Server Logs
* Run weekly and monthly server web log reports for site roots (www, inside, fact and learn); periodically examine raw log files. Run log reports for subsites (such as dcahec, wagecc, smhs, library, etc.) on an as-needed or -requested basis.
* Weekly FTP server log reports; analyze logs for usage and account maintenance purposes.
* Checks ColdFusion server logs for routine maintenance and debugging purposes; checks the CF email logs to ensure no failed email are "stuck" on the server. Resends failed mails, or deletes if the email is malformed or otherwise undeliverable.

General Duties:
* Manage all user accounts on the FTP server.
* Manage Windows-based password protected sites in conjunction with CASS.  CASS must set up the domain user account for use on the web server.  Web Coordinator handles initial requests and works with CASS as necessary to set up sites.
* Sets and enforces GWUMC web server and technology  policies in coordination with the Vice President for Educational Resources. 
* Researches and implements new and standards complaint technologies to enhance GWUMC site.
* Manage weekly link check reports; fix broken links as needed. 
* Works with the web coordinator for any approved requests for DNS sites running on GWUMC servers. 
* Work with CASS and Academic Computing for special projects and issues, including cooperative programming efforts (such as student facebooks) and general server issues (the monthly CASS meetings, firewall migration, etc.).

Supervisory Duties
* Works with Medical Center Communications and Marketing Web Designer in a supervisory capacity to insure compliance with web standards.

Qualifications
* 5-years programming experience, specifically using ColdFusion, but a broader knowledge, to include Java, Java Server Pages, JavaScript is highly desired.
* Excellent working knowledge of SQL, Microsoft SQL Server 2000, and Microsoft Access.
* Strong working knowledge of HTML/XHTML (XML desired) and current web standards required.  Must be knowledgeable about accessibility and usability standards, in particular with regard to web forms.
* Excellent project management skills.  Ability to prioritize many conflicting and "high quality" tasks.
* Master's Degree in Library/Information Systems/Computer Sciences from an accredited school or equivalent mix of education and experience.
* Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to provide documentation of systems and programming a necessity.

The minimum salary is $60,000 plus excellent academic benefits. The review of applications will begin on March 28, 2005 and continue until the position is filled. Send resume and cover letter, salary requirement and 3 references to:

The George Washington University Medical Center
Attention: J. Marie Porter
Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library
2300 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

The George Washington University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
Revised:  2/14/05