JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER

Job Title: Applications Developer, Grade 5

Department: Information and Communications Technology

Responsible to: Applications Development Manager

Date: April 2017 ______

Purpose:

The Applications Developer will join a dedicated and dynamic team with the aim of developing and supporting bespoke web applications, using predominately the Microsoft .NET development stack. The recently expanded the team engages in a wide variety of work from developing and integrating internal systems to producing new systems to support the Foundations expanding educational products and services, and research projects. Of particular interest in the near future is development of NFER’s e-assessment capability.

Main activities and key outcomes:

The main activities include (but are not limited to):

 Developing web and Windows applications using object orientated languages such as C# and VB.NET.

 Developing relational databases.

 Querying datasets from relational databases.

 Ensuring all applications are developed using secure development principles and are thoroughly tested prior to release.

 Maintaining, supporting and updating current and future applications.

 Undertaking other duties commensurate with the role including covering for other team members. ______Personal Attributes: The ideal candidate will be a team player with good people and communication skills. They will demonstrate an enthusiasm for web development, be self-motivated and have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. They will have the ability to work independently, be willing to take ownership of tasks and see them through to completion, and use their own initiative where required. An attention to detail and a pride in the work are both essential qualities as is the ability to meet deadlines. Other essential qualities are:  strong problem solving skills

 innovative thinking

 ability to follow procedures

 flexibility

 reliability

 good organisational skills

A full person specification is included below.

Person Specification

Experience and knowledge Essential Desirable Excellent knowledge of an object oriented language such as C# or Java, and experience using this language in at  least one significant project Good understanding of the principles of web application development including a good knowledge of HTML, CSS  and JavaScript Good understanding and experience of using relational  databases, including knowledge of SQL. Good understanding of secure development principles ü and familiar with OWASP top 10 vulnerabilities Knowledge of software testing methodologies ü Experience/training in using web technologies such as  AJAX, jQuery and XML Developed applications in a commercial/production  environment. Understanding and experience of using the Microsoft development stack (Visual Studio, ASP.NET, SQL Server,  IIS, Team Foundation Server etc). Experience of commercial software development practices (e.g. using source control and agile  development principles). Knowledge of other programming/scripting languages ü such as Python, Perl, PHP and VBA. Experience of creating system specifications and ü documenting software / processes. Experience of using IIS ü Experience of using Atlassian’s Jira / Confluence software ü (or similar). Experience of SharePoint development. ü

Skills and abilities: Ability to understand user requirements and build systems ü that meet those needs. Good communication skills, both verbal and written, and ü ability to communicate clearly with non technical staff. Ability to work effectively in a pressured situation and to ü tight deadlines. Can work independently and as part of a team ü Strong problem solving skills ü Innovative thinking ü

Other Attributes/Characteristics: Enthusiasm for web development ü Self motivated ü Can use initiative ü Reliable and flexible ü Positive, ‘can-do’ attitude ü Takes pride in work and has good attention to detail ü Keen to learn ü Good team player ü Good organisational skills ü

Qualifications: Qualified to Degree level with a strong technical element ü