Information Systems Specialist

Primary Purpose

The Systems team at the Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) designs develops tests implements supports and maintains web-based enterprise business systems driving online learning at the University of Waterloo. These are functionally and technically complex systems which integrate with University-wide ERP systems such as the student information system (SIS) and the LMS. This complexity encompasses all aspects of the technical infrastructure supporting these applications life cycles including network and operating systems layer database layer programming languages delivery methods as well as implementation and support methodologies. The Information Systems Specialist is directly involved throughout the full systems development lifecycle (SDLC) of these applications. This position also contributes and/or provides leadership to other projects and working groups within CEL and campus-wide.

Were seeking a full stack developer proficient in the use of React and similar modern JavaScript frameworks to join our diverse and talented group of web application developers. You will work 60% on application front end and 40% back end so proficiency with SQL Server PostgreSQL or MariaDB to manage complex schemas write optimized queries and ensure data integrity is also a must. You will collaborate with backend engineers to build and integrate RESTful APIs and microservices using technologies such as or .NET Core. You will write unit tests (xUnit Jest) participate in code reviews and contribute to CI pipelines. Demonstrated experience with Redux Toolkit form libraries (React Hook Form) would be beneficial.

Key Accountabilities

Application Design Development and Support

• Design develop test implement support and maintain web-based enterprise business systems executing full systems development lifecycle (SDLC) activities.
• Plan and design strategic technical architectures including database architectures (ERD) and system logic incorporating industry standard security approaches.
• Conduct programming testing system integration UX development system customization and/or complete application development.
• Create and maintain system documentation.
• Systems support in terms of problem analysis and solution development.
• Provide technical guidance and support for development activities.
• Setup and maintain appropriate applications and database infrastructure for development and production work.
• Coordinate of technical components within various projects.
• Evaluate and select suitable programming languages database systems tools methodologies etc.
• Monitor technical directions and strategies for existing applications databases and tools.
• Evaluate vendors and assess third-party software tools applications processes and best-practices for implementation.
• Conduct database administration including installation tuning performance monitoring and upgrading as needed in collaboration with the Systems Administrator.
• Support existing office technologies such as office information systems (SharePoint MS Teams) and corporate website as needed.

Project Leadership & Management

• Participate in business analysis at the department and/or University level in collaboration with the Business Analyst or independently as needed.
• Conduct project planning progress tracking and communication.
• Assign tasks and supervise work of technical and functional staff dedicated to the project.
• Provide mentoring support for junior staff (technically as well as functional knowledge specific to the assignment).
• Adhere to industry best practices for documentation management.
• Perform ongoing analysis of existing technology processes and practices for improvement.
• Manage time effectively when dealing with multiple projects and activities.
• Provide leadership to interdepartmental (IST ITMS Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE)) or University-wide projects.

Problem Solving

• Provide Tier 3 support in diagnosing and resolving problems related to CEL systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with IST and ITMS to track and resolve Tier 3 support tickets initiated by CEL staff.
• Interact with the SIS support staff resolve SIS issues as needed.
• Communicate technological best practices IST communications relevant events and software/vendor notices to CEL staff.
• Provide technical advice for course design and course technologies where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Education

• An undergraduate degree in computer science information systems software engineering or related discipline; or
• A post-secondary diploma in computer science information systems software engineering or related discipline combined with relevant industry certifications and 5 years of relevant experience in industry or academic institutions.

Experience

• 2-5 years of industry experience in design development testing implementation support and maintenance of web-based enterprise business systems.
• A minimum of 2 years experience in web-application development using PHP or VB/C#/.
• A minimum of 2 years experience in web-application development integrating MSSQL Server or MySQL/Postgres databases.
• Should be conversant with new and emerging educational technologies including learning/content management systems (LMS/CMS) online collaboration software various hardware formats and multimedia technologies in general.
• Proficiency with SQL Server PostgreSQL or MariaDB to manage complex schemas write optimized queries and ensure data integrity
• Demonstrated experience with Redux Toolkit form libraries (React Hook Form) would be beneficial
• Demonstrated experience using technologies such as or .NET Core

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge and proven skills in database-driven dynamic web application development is mandatory:
  • Linux/Windows Apache MySQL and PHP (LAMP/WAMP) architectures for development and deployment of web-based systems and platforms; and/or
  • technologies (C# VB ASP) combined with expertise in MSSQL Server architectures for development and deployment of web-based systems and platforms.
• Skills in frontend design principles especially for web applications such as HTML JavaScript PHP CSS etc. is required.
• Understanding of industry standard authentication and security protocols is required.
• Understanding of version control using Git or similar system is required.
• Working knowledge of Jira and Confluence is desirable.
• Working knowledge in Java Python Ruby is desirable.
• Proven skills in payment gateway integration and ecommerce is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills are required. This includes the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.