Programmer 1

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Programmer 1

PROGRAMMER 1 (ID #27162)

Closing Date: 4 May 2007

Application Requirements: For details on how to apply go to the JAC Employment Opportunities page.

Your application for this position must include a completed JAC Supplementary Information Form.

Available formats: Word Format OpenOffice Format

Job Inquiries: Craig Walther (808) 969-6556 or email jobs@jach.hawaii.edu
Inquiries on how to apply: Susan O'Neal (808) 969-6527 (s.oneal@jach.hawaii.edu)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Joint Astronomy Centre (JAC) located in Hilo, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds.

Responsible for designing, writing and documenting software used in the monitoring, handling, distributing and scientific analysis of astronomical data. Responsibilities also include maintaining and assisting in the development of database, archive and other data storage operations for the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). Responsible for data curation and distribution to visiting astronomers.

REPORTS TO Head of Scientific Computing (Tim Jenness)

SUPERVISES None.

BUDGETARY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Budget/Fiscal Responsibilities are important and may affect JAC if work is not done on a timely and accurate manner consistent with standards, policies and regulations. Work is reviewed and/or approved by higher authority.

LEVEL OF INTERACTION:

Works as a member of the JAC Scientific Computing Group. Frequent and close interaction with the other members of the Software and Computer Services division, JAC support scientists and visiting astronomers. Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with others are essential. The vast majority of the work is carried out in the office at Hilo, but trips to the summit of Mauna Kea (14,000 ft.) may be necessary to perform some duties.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

55% 1.	Writes programs (both web-based and otherwise) in the Perl programming language to aid the JAC and external users in the monitoring, handling, distributing and scientific analysis of astronomical data. Documents those programs and other procedures as appropriate.

25% 2.	Administers the JAC scientific databases, including ingesting program information at the beginning of the semester, maintaining database integrity by use of appropriate tools (database mirroring and backups etc) and dealing with day-to-day user requests.

20% 3.	Monitors all routine computerized tasks that deal with the curation, archiving and distribution of astronomical data for local and external users and to our archiving centres.

4.	Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Computer Science, or other related field. An equivalent level of experience and/or other training is acceptable.

Experience: This is an entry level position therefore no experience beyond that necessary to obtain a university degree in Computer Science is required.

Knowledge: Familiarity with UNIX operating systems, in particular Linux. Fluency in the Perl programming language. Fluency in an object-oriented programming language. Practical understanding of modern programming techniques (e.g. structured programming and source code management techniques).

Abilities and Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to perform web design and dynamical generated content through CGI scripting. Affinity for paying attention to details.

Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet, and pass a high-altitude medical examination.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity with Sybase ASE and related products, in particular the Sybase replication server and the Perl DBI module. Practical experience with use of source code management processes, particularly the CVS system. Prior experience with the Apache HTTP server and/or mod_Perl. Good working knowledge of database administration techniques and SQL. Certified training in a recognized professional database design, deployment and maintenance e.g. Sybase or Oracle.