Corporate Services Library Learning Services e

Corporate Services
Library
Learning Services
e-Learning (VLES) Team
VLE Application Developer
The Library’s e-Learning (VLES) Team provides systems development and user
support for the University’s VLE (Blackboard). As a developer, you will have strong
technical skills and be able to provide innovative solutions for the institution’s
learning and teaching needs.
The nature of the role will vary during the course of the year: system development,
third line support and technical oversight of upgrades.
You will have relevant experience of application development, with excellent
communications and team working skills, committed to providing an excellent
service. You will have experience of developing in Java (JSP/J2EE), a good working
knowledge of databases (PL- SQL, JDBC, etc), and the ability to work with third
party libraries such as JQuery, DataTables and others.
University Grade 6 or 7 depending on experience (£25,513 – 30,434, or £31,342 £37,394 p.a.)
Informal enquiries may be made to Michael Thomas, e-Learning (VLES) Team
Leader, tel +44 (0)113 343 8858, email [email protected]
Closing Date: 23 September 2014
Ref: CSLIB1004
Leeds University Library is an Investor in People (Silver) and holds the
Customer Service Excellence standard.
Click here for further information about working at the University of Leeds
www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20025/university_jobs
Job Description2
Responsible to: e-Learning (VLES) Team Leader
Responsibility for staff: None
Key relationships:
 In the Library: Library Systems Team; Portal Team.
 In the University: IT Services Unix Team; IT Services Technical Support and
Development Team; IT Services SIMS Team
 Externally: software suppliers and developers
Key responsibilities:
 Planning, developing, testing, implementing and maintaining local enhancements
for the VLE according to defined pedagogic needs.
 Ensuring that suitable documentation of developments and processes are
created and maintained.
 Providing expert technical advice on system developments or issues.
 Undertaking collaborative decision-making as part of the team, and as part of a
wider network of colleagues supporting e-learning within the University.
 Providing input to the development of Library strategy and operations, including
leading or participating in cross-Library initiatives if required.
 Working closely with the team and IT Services, creating and maintaining
specification of the data needs of the service.
and at Grade 7
 Operational leadership of technical development and support for the institutional
VLE and the related integrations.
Duties:
 Ensuring delivery of the assigned objectives in the team’s operational plan,
reporting to Leadership Team and the wider Library as required.
 Actively communicating and collaborating with colleagues (internal and external)
to achieve shared aims.
 Writing specifications and software to pre-defined development standards.
 Working with all key stakeholders to contribute to the upgrade of the VLE
according to academic and technical needs, utilising the most appropriate
production releases developed by the community/supplier.
 Producing and maintaining full documentation relating to enhancement/in-house
development of the VLE and third-party systems integrated within the VLE.
 Working with IT Services Teams and the VLES Team to resolve technical issues
related to the VLE Service.
 Developing an understanding of:
o third-party software integrated within the VLE
o current in-house development/enhancement of the VLE
o how enhancement of the VLE can affect the VLE/other enhancements
o the University’s student administration processes and how changes to
those processes can affect the VLE
o how changes to the data feed can affect the VLE and other systems
 Analysing and utilising customer feedback to inform planning and services.
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Representing the VLE Service in the University and in external groups as
required.
Participating in appropriate national and international subject and/or professional
interest groups as appropriate, to maintain awareness of trends, for professional
development and to raise the profile of the Library and the University.
At Grade 7
 Undertaking specific VLE development projects including full lifecycle project
management, planning of milestones, assessment of risk, allocation of activities,
monitoring progress, reporting, escalation of issues and post-implementation
review. This may include co-ordination of work across a number of University
areas.
 Significant input into the broader direction of the team through the strategic and
operational planning processes
 Taking decisions that have an ongoing impact on the area/team or the service
provided and supporting decision making and planning processes by undertaking
analysis of specialist information and resolving problems where a single best
solution is not apparent
 Developing a highly effective relationship with other colleagues (in the University
and externally), able to input into and influence their decision-making
 Significant input into cross-Library activities
 Working independently: self-managing and able to prioritise own workload to
meet agreed objectives
 Collaborative working with colleagues to ensure objectives are met
 Through the development of professional knowledge and expertise, be able to act
a mentor/coach to less experienced colleagues
Generic requirements for all Library staff (added to all job descriptions)
 The details above are not a comprehensive list of the activities which may be
carried out by the role holder, and activities may change (appropriate to the
grading of the post) as a result of developments and changes in Library services.
 In carrying out their roles, all Library staff are required to show positive
commitment to the values of the Library and University.
 All Library staff are required to wear name badges.
 The Library supports and encourages the training and development of its staff;
participation in appropriate training and development activities is a requirement of
the post.
Career Expectations
The University of Leeds is committed to developing its staff. All staff participate in
the Staff Review and Development scheme and we continue to work with individuals
supporting them to maximise their potential.
This role is being advertised on a training grade. Where the successful candidate is
appointed at University of Leeds grade 6 a personal development plan will be put in
place. It is anticipated that this will be over a three year timescale and on
satisfactory completion of this plan the individual will advance to University of Leeds
grade 7.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the University’s values and standards,
which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we
work together. More information about the University’s strategy and values is
available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/.
Person Specification
Essential
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Education to degree level or equivalent, or substantial relevant experience
Relevant experience of application development.
Java (JSP/J2EE) programming skills including JDBC and frameworks such as
Spring
Good working knowledge of SQL (Oracle PL-SQL)
Web development skills, including HTML, CSS, XML, XSLT, Javascript and the
ability to work with third party libraries such as JQuery, Datatables, etc.
Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of web-based technologies
Previous experience of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and
PowerPoint
Excellent communication skills including report writing
Understanding of project management techniques
Evidence of successful co-operative working, negotiating and influencing to
achieve results
Understanding of and commitment to excellent customer service
Creative approach to problem solving, using initiative and collaborating with
others to resolve issues
Able to work to a high level of accuracy in all work undertaken, including
documentation
Confidence and ability to represent the Library professionally
Ability and willingness to demonstrate personal motivation towards the job and
the Library, and to modify own working practices in line with trends,
developments and changing priorities
Additionally at Grade 7
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Substantial relevant experience of application development
Experience of technical systems support
Experience of undertaking requirements and systems analysis
Substantial experience of, and commitment to, documenting procedures and
systems
Self-managing and able to work under pressure, prioritise, schedule and balance
workloads to meet deadlines
Experience of direct and pro-active contribution to the development of policy
and/or innovative working practices
Excellent analytical skills, demonstrating an ability to think and behave
strategically, formulating and implementing solutions
Evidence of a positive contribution to strategic and operational planning
Proven ability to manage complex workloads, meeting deadlines and quality
standards
Desirable
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Knowledge and understanding of national and international trends and
developments in virtual learning environments
Knowledge and understanding of other relevant trends and initiatives in libraries
and the higher education sector
Training or experience in a formalised project management methodology
(PRINCE2 or similar)
Training or experience in a formalised development methodology (Agile or
similar)
Experience of software development for e-learning system(s)
Experience of developing and implementing procedures for access, security and
authentication to web systems
Previous experience of working in a higher education or further education
environment
Experience of creating software development and maintenance plans
Web server administration skills (e.g. Apache/ Tomcat)
Experience of innovative development for the web..
Additional Information
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the University,
including information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human
Resources web pages accessible at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/
The Partnership
To be aware of and work in line with The Partnership working with students as
members of a learning community to provide world class education and an excellent
student experience. More information about the Partnership is available at
http://partnership.leeds.ac.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position.
However, applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other
personal details’ section of the application form and send details to the Recruitment
Officer at [email protected].
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Health Sciences Library. Disabled applicants wishing to
review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional
information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email
[email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still
be covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health
conditions is available in the applicant guidance.

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