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Assessment Digital Management Specialist

Database Specialist II

Recruitment #24-004480-0003

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Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Hybrid schedule available

POSITION DUTIES

The position will maintain and support the iTem/Pra item bank and related Web-based applications. This will include transfer of iTem/Pra assessment questions into a new server and work to customize interactions for student use.

The item bank is housed in one of several SQL databases that run on a Linux server and communicate with the Apache web server via common gateway interface (CGI) scripting languages including Perl, Python, and PHP. The item bank holds archived and publicly-released assessment content, including artwork, commissioned and permissioned reading passages, and assessment items. Supplementary materials including original artwork, ASL videos and other accommodation-related (APIP) coding, and other metadata and performance-related statistics. The item bank relies on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript programming for functionality. Associated with the item bank are modules that provide limited public facing access. The need for additional functionality may arise from time to time, given the needs of the Assessment Office.

Responsibilities include: 
  • Installs and configures hardware and associated software with appropriate user privileges. 
  • Creates user accounts assigning domain, application and local privileges and sets correct access to applications. 
  • Provides necessary instruction and support to local education agencies. 
  • Creates written procedures of all iTem/Pra item bank functions. 
  • Coordinates implementation and maintenance of database management system software and related software tools with vendors, other MSDE staff and system users. 
  • Monitors database performance and makes modifications and adjustments to database architecture, storage methods and management system software to troubleshoot issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:  Two years of experience, designing, developing, implementing, maintaining and controlling database management systems for computers and, testing, implementing and maintaining applications systems and programs using generally accepted computer programming languages or maintaining and modifying operating systems for computers.

Notes: 
1. Candidates may substitute graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and thirty credit hours from an accredited college or university in Computer Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or other information technology-related field to include course work in database management systems for the  of experience designing, developing, testing, implementing and maintaining applications systems and programs using generally accepted computer programming languages or maintaining and modifying operating systems for computers.  
2. Candidates may substitute two years experience operating computer systems; or scheduling, controlling input and output or maintaining a tape library to process data on computer systems; or converting data from project specifications by developing program code using generally accepted computer programming languages on a year-for-year basis for graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. 3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or other information technology related field to include course work in database management systems for two years experience designing, developing, implementing, maintaining and controlling database management systems for computers for the required experience. 
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Database Administration classifications or Database Administration specialty codes in the Information Technology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • Experience in providing technical assistance to various, diverse audiences. 
  • Knowledge of database management systems, software and tools. 
  • Experience with programming language such as: Python (pandas, numpy, scipy, sql.connector, BeautifulSoup, PyPDF+), JavaScript (mathjax, datatables.net, Chartjs, ApexCharts, CodeMirror), and Perl (DBI, CGI, POSIX, XML, JSON) 
  • Skill in implementing, controlling and evaluating database management systems. 
  • Skill in documenting new and revised database management systems procedures and standards. 
  • Skill in using diagnostic and performance tools and other software products to maintain established standards for database management systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. The resulting list of eligible candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application or mailed to the address listed. 

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. 

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



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