Web Application Developer

The Web Hosting team at Technology Services seeks applicants for a Drupal Developer and WordPress Developer under the title of Web Application Developer or Senior Web Application Developer. These positions provide development and support to the Publish.Illinois.edu and cPanel services as well as the Website Management Center of Expertise and the Website Implementation Guidelines Group. The prime candidates will be familiar with Drupal or WordPress, Accessibility standards, and working in Higher Education. These positions must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working with employees and peers of all levels within the organization. They must be able to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and be able to work well under pressure. The candidates should also be very dependable, have strong decision-making skills, and be able to handle many disruptions during the workday. These positions report to the Manager of Web Hosting at Technology Services and are remote eligible. The Web Hosting team at Tech Services is highly collaborative and supportive and we look forward to increasing our team's skill sets and capacity.


Why Work at Technology Services?

Highlights of Employee Benefits

Job Summary
The Web Application Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and supporting websites and other web applications. These positions will be part of the forthcoming Website Management Center of Expertise, working closely with the Web Implementation Guidelines Group to continue developing the University of Illinois WordPress and/or Drupal themes as well as assist units in implementing the themes. Duties will include web application development and support of content management, data structures, workflow processes, web front ends, and backend services. In addition to design and development, these positions are responsible for analyzing, deploying, maintaining, and supporting production level applications.

Duties & Responsibilities

Web Development/Design

Design and implement websites and web applications with significant complexity or scale, such as database-driven elements, server-side code, or complex integration with other services.
Utilize content management systems for website development including but not limited to Drupal and WordPress.
Provide end user support through designated processes.
Program custom functionality to drive website content and user interfaces using technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TWIG, React, node.js, npm, PHP, git/GitHub and other web languages and related technologies.
Support existing applications, including taking ownership of troubleshooting and enhancing functionality, in consultation with colleagues and service users.
Work with providers of website content tools, including campus-level offices like Strategic Communications and Marketing as well as other groups on campus and outside vendors to develop and implement effective applications to deliver dynamic and client-driven content.
Ensure that all websites and developed code adhere to state accessibility laws, good usability practices, and brand standards.
Work with a team to deliver projects including but not limited to design and code review and testing as well as providing backup to other team members.
Contribute to and work within project management structure for the team.

Documentation & Training

Investigate and evaluate new standards and technologies suitable for college and department needs. Document tools and techniques used when creating new functionality for websites.
Commit changes to Git repositories as directed by the team.

Serve as Subject-Matter Expert (Senior Level Only)

Research new technologies that could potentially enhance hosting platforms and the applications or sites they host.
Cultivate software development skills and specialized knowledge in less-experienced colleagues.
Maintain and grow current knowledge of technologies and best practices related to specialized use of one or more web application development platforms (e.g., Drupal or WordPress).

Other Duties as Assigned to Further the Mission of the Unit


Minimum Qualifications - Web Application Developer

High school diploma or equivalent.
Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
Demonstrated experience developing websites or web applications utilizing WordPress, Drupal, or similar.

Minimum Qualifications - Senior Web Application Developer

High school diploma or equivalent.
Any one or any combination totaling five (5) years from the following categories:
College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
Demonstrated experience developing websites or web applications utilizing WordPress, Drupal, or similar.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity and/or experience with developing custom website, using WordPress or Drupal
Familiarity with developing themes, plugins, and modules for WordPress or Drupal
Familiarity developing custom blocks/paragraphs for WordPress/Drupal
Familiarity with the Advanced Custom Fields Pro Plugin
Familiarity with security best practices in web development
Experience working with Git version control systems.
Experience managing WordPress and/or Drupal websites.
Experience with node.js/npm.
Experience effectively communicating technical aspects with clients.
Experience with responsive design techniques.
Experience developing and testing for WCAG 2.0 AA web accessibility.
Experience working in or with higher education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong understanding of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. Strong desire to develop new technical knowledge and professional skills on a continual basis. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work harmoniously with faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of disciplines. Proven ability to complete projects independently and work as a member of a team on larger projects. Understanding of accessibility and laws.
Appointment Information

These are 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 - Information Technology Technical Associate positions, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The salary range starts at $70,000.00 for the Web Application Developer and at $85,000.00 for Senior Web Application Developer. Salary is commensurate with experience. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 11, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position.

To complete the application process:
Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the "Apply Now" button at the top of the page.
Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.
Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three references.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dallas Johnson at dallas1@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019732
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu