Job Description:

Web Designer / Developer

WebDrive Canada is looking for a web designer / web developer to work on the production process of dynamic and visually engaging websites.

Job Tasks and Responsibility’s:

-           Create, implement and maintain the WebDrive Canada website.

-           Spearhead the development process by leading projects from design concept through to completion.

-           Strong design skills.

-           Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or equivalent programs.

-           Liaising closely with the client at the design stage to answer questions.

-           Work hands-on in the development of web applications, Ex: ActionScript, Flash, XML, CSS, XHTML, HTML5.

-           Supporting WebDrive social media strategy.

-           Design and distribute newsletters and other documents relating to WebDrive.

-           Testing the web sites for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions.

-           Balanced ability to perform analytically and creatively.

-           Knowledge and Experience with SEO is a plus.

-           Knowledge and Experience with mobile apps is a plus.

-           Demonstration of good design principles and attention to detail.

-           Dedicated team and individual work ethic.

Job Qualifications:

-           Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in web design, web development or related program.

-           2 – 5 years of experience developing and designing rich media websites.

-           Good knowledge of major social, and web based services.

-           Good Knowledge of API’s (Facebook, GoogleMaps, YouTube)

-           Knowledge of CMS (Drupal, Wordpress,) is a plus.

-           Be detail oriented, and have a strong desire to succeed, and to finish projects within deadlines.

-           Must be in possession of a strong and diverse verifiable website development and design work portfolio.

-           Must be results driven, proactive, self-motivated, and a team player.

-           Strong organizational skills and time management required.

-           Must demonstrate a high level of integrity.

Compensation range:

-           Between 35k – 45k

About WebDrive Canada Inc.

WebDrive Canada Inc. has been helping government departments design, execute, evaluate and refine government-grade web solutions since 1999.   Our team has become known for its comprehensive approach to web design and Web 2.0 projects.  We have had the opportunity to work on hundreds of projects in both the public and private sectors, giving us the opportunity to test, tweak and ultimately perfect varying web strategies to our clients’ benefit.  Our strength resides in our focus on understanding web site users, and executing web strategies that meet users’ needs.  We provide a full range of Internet services and are the official sponsors of the Gov2.0 wiki, found at www.gov20.ca.

Benefits of Working for WebDrive:

-           Fun work environment and great team dynamic

-           Opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of projects, sectors and technologies

-           High end projects

-           Well known company in growth stage.

-           Stable client base

-           Flexible work environment

For more information, or to apply for the position please email jobs@webdrive.ca

Here’s a great article on why there is so much pressure on governments to recognize that government evolution is necessary.  I particularly like how the author links the growing adoption of mobile devices to the growing demand for information and greater government services.

http://radar.oreilly.com/2009/12/government-20-five-predictions.html

According to SmartBrief “The US State Department unveiled a new look website yesterday as it embraces social networking and other Web 2.0 tools in an exercise it called ’21st Century statecraft. “Smart power meets smart design,” Katie Dowd, the State Department’s New Media Director, said in a post outlining the changes to State.gov on the State Department blog “DipNote,” which is also undergoing a facelift.

The new website provides front-page links to the State Department’s official YouTube channel, Twitter feed, Facebook page and Flickr photo account. The State Department said in a statement that the revamped State.gov incorporates improved “functionality and an updated design” and aims to “present the Department of State more transparently.” It is intended to “engage audiences in an ongoing dialogue with Secretary Clinton and others in the department on the foreign policy issues facing the country,” it said.”

http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/us-state-department-revamps-website-in-web-20-push — US State Department revamps website in Web 2.0 push

This article from ITWorld Canada speculates on the impact of the cabinet shuffle on Canadian IT providers. The author ponders if technology efficiency will be one of the initiatives that Mr. Day will take on as the new Treasury Board Minister. He points out that the aging legacy systems will need replacing and new efficiency-focuses applications will be preferred. He also points out that close to 40% of the public sector will be retiring in the coming years which will put pressure on the government to automate more of its services. Is this a driver for Government 2.0? I hope so. A greater focus on multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional e-collaboration could only help achieve the levels of efficiencies sought. And wider implementation of open source web 2.0 applications will allow for better platform integration and less data lock-in by closed vendor-based applications.

http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/why-cabinet-shake-up-isnt-bad-news-for-it-industry/139797-pg1

This is a great article on why governments need to rethink their use of technology.  Some of my favourite points in this article are:

1. Government employees are being asked to work with one half of their brain behind their back (due to their lack of access to social media sites)

2. The resistance of the DG level because they are concerned about giving power to the “people”

There is also a reference to our favourite Government of Canada site GCPedia  (Please insert applause here….) ;-]

http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/why-canada-should-open-source-government/139761

CNN reporter, Pete Cashmore writes this interesting and thought provoking article on how social media is being used to support the relief efforts in Haiti. He notes that everyone from aid organizations to politicians to celebrities are tapping into their social media followers to ask for them for donations and help.  According to Cashmore, this is one of the first times in history that social media is overcoming “Slacktivism“. Followers are actually doing more than just observing or “following”;  they are actually doing something to make a difference.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/14/cashmore.haiti.earthquake.relief.technology/index.html

It is so wonderful to see more and more governments getting on board the social media train (no pun intended in this instance!).  Here is another example of municipal governments leveraging the power of Twitter to the benefit of their citizens.

“In 2009, the Brazilian transit authority starting using Twitterto update São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro’s motorists and pedestrians of any traffic incidents or transport news. The feed broadcasts tweets from the authority itself, as well as allowing users to share their own experiences of the city’s traffic and transport.”

I love this concept. It’s a web site called GovLuv. In essence, it allow you to connect with your Senator, or other government representative through Twitter. The site states…

“Citizens: GovLuv connects you instantly with your government representatives through the magical power of Twitter. Based on your address, you can see who your representatives are, what they’re saying, and what people are saying to them! Sign in with Twitter.”

For government officials, the site suggests…

“Government: You’re probably already in here! Sign in with Twitterto take control of your account. If your account isn’t there, tweet @govluv and we’ll get it fixed ASAP.”

What an innovative way of incouraging better communication between governments and their citizens.

http://govluv.org/offices/547-barack-obama

Kudos to N.Y. City Mayor Michael Bloomberg!  He has raised the bar for transparency and openness within government by introducing an online tracking program which allows New Yorkers to view the administration’s performance and the expenditure of the $5billion in federal stimulus money that New York received.   This surely will put pressure on other government organizations to be more forthcoming with information on how effectively they are running departments and agencies on our behalf.

http://www.nyc.gov/cpr

Hi all. We’re looking for a new account manager for our montreal office. If you know of anyone you can recommend, please let me know by contacting me (Jennifer) at jobs@webdrive.ca