KaBoom! needs a Web Developer

Ever wanted to work for a company that makes playgrounds?

The correct answer is yes. My buddy Michael Hammerstrom sent me this, and had I more of a coding mind & less artistry, I’d be tempted to fake it until I make it.

Get ahold of Michael here if you’re interested.

Here are the details:

Department: Mass Action

Reports To: Director, Online Development

Summary of Position:

A junior to mid-level position as a Web/Ruby on Rails developer helping build new features and improvements into our
existing applications while resolving performance issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Product development
  • Web Development: Write, test, deploy and maintain Ruby and Rails code that enables and improves specific features on kaboom.org.
  • Write polished code that implements the specified features and will be fast, reliable and relevant for years to come
  • Code using Rails framework, but also be ready to use PHP and other platforms as required
  • Create APIs for cross-communication and data sharing between existing web applications, databases, and mobile platforms
  • Demonstrate strong knowledge of front-end code including HTML/XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript; implement best practices that improve rendering speed and minimize cross-browser inconsistency
  • Run tests on new and existing code; document clearly; refactor to improve efficiency and modularity/reusability
  • Demonstrate efficiency in database usage and other back-end practices, with a specific focus on delivering pages as quickly as possible for rendering
  • Integrate your work with Drupal and other platforms as necessary
  • Act as owner or co-owner of selected products on kaboom.org

Operations Support
  • Monitor kaboom.org and related systems to ensure that they remain robust, secure, fast, and cost-effective.
  • Identify and diagnose problems promptly.
  • Put systems in place to ensure that problems — including malicious intrusions — are highly unlikely to occur.
  • Put systems in place that trigger appropriate notifications for all site failures, intrusions, and significant deteriorations in performance
  • All monitoring systems should generate trackable metrics and audit trails
  • Actively contributes to our inclusive work environment by valuing other people regardless of differences and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.

Master of Web Basics
  • Understand the structure, detailed elements and proper use of HTML/XHTML and cascading style sheets
  • Use common Web tools such as CSS inspectors, validators, and code editors
  • Write valid markup and style sheets from scratch
  • Understand the broad principles and proper use of JavaScript, PHP, and XML

Qualifications:

  • Computer Science degree or 2+ years programming experience
  • 1+ years industry experience
  • 2+ years programming with Ruby on Rails, Passenger, MySQL, Apache, and Linux
  • Ability to work in Rails 2.x and 3.x environments
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies like Scrum
  • Use a computer and show mastery of common software including Microsoft Office and Outlook
  • Work extended hours as necessary.

Essential Functions of Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the
essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.

The employee must have the ability to maintain acceptable standards of office conduct; the ability to handle stress,
get along with others, and work in a cooperative and team oriented manner. Office days may involve sitting at a desk,
using a computer and phone for up to 10-12 hours. Other job tasks will require movement around the office.

 

Ruby Returns

Ruby Returns!

Isn’t she cute? 🙂
Tamika and I christened her  just now.

Back when I had the wreck, we had gotten the news that she might not be coming back to us, and I was genuinely sad that she had been so reliable and such a part of our family, that I had lamented that we hadn’t named her.

And so Ruby seems like an appropriate name for a red Subaru.

The collision centre replaced the entire front end, very nearly. The only thing left untouched was the right headlight and blinker. Everything else, the grill, the (very expensive) hood, the bumper, even the fog lights, are all shiny and new. The poor thing has never looked better.

The grill was actually surprising, they replaced it with a chrome one from a luxury model (our old one had just been plastic).

She’s still got some problems (need’s a new catalytic converter, needs an engine guard, and has a rust spot near her gas tank that needs help) but she’s ours and we love her, and we’re glad to have her back. God is good.