Web Developer

Description

Department: ITS

Position: Full-time, 12-month position plus complete benefit package

Wage: $26.50-$30.50 per hour commensurate with experience

Union Affiliation: MFPE

Posting Date: June 2025

Starting Date: July 1, 2025

Benefits Include:

Insurance package,

Mandatory retirement plan,

Dependent partial tuition waiver,

Faculty/staff tuition waiver

Wellness program

The Web Developer will be responsible for researching, recommending, planning, and implementing new technologies and resolving the most complex problems in relation to the design, expansion, maintenance and improvements to the official websites for the University of Montana Western. The Web Developer needs to possess deep technical expertise in the areas of web development and design to include programming in PHP, JavaScript, Bootstrap, CSS and good working knowledge of WordPress, editing and developing custom WordPress themes, and other web development skills. The Web Developer works as a part of the ITS staff to perform specific tasks to maintain and improve the official websites and will work closely with all areas of campus to enhance the website’s appearance, accessibility, capabilities and SEO properties. The Web Developer will also utilize their broad web development expertise to lead the testing and optimization of these websites for both desktop and mobile web browsers and integrate programmatic functions with WordPress to be utilized by multiple backend users.

This position will also lead the planning and implementation of short and long-term web development projects and help with security strategies and meet with other stake holders on campus during the consultation, pre-production, production and post-production phases of webpage creation and management. The position ensures that the various websites serve as Montana Western’s central communications and recruiting tool in providing content that is user friendly, accessible and accurately reflects the university’s brand strategy.

This position is based in Dillon, but for the right candidate, remote work from within the state of Montana may be considered. If your passion is web development, please reach out to us regardless of qualifications or experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements

Experience in the prototyping (including User Experience and Interface design knowledge), security, installation, testing, maintenance, updates, and content management of large-scale websites (university or school websites preferred).

Experience and aptitude for the application of web design principles in the design and implementation process of holistic and individual website elements (menus, image galleries, directories, site search, news articles, events calendars, submission forms, A-Z indexes, etc.).

Experience working with WordPress is strongly preferred, other PHP-based content management systems may be considered.

Experience in website development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP, and a front-end framework such as Bootstrap or Foundation.

Experience with user experience and information design.

Experience integrating social media APIs into a web presence.

Experience in generating reports based on website analytics and presenting concise, actionable plans for increasing efficiency and usability.

Experience with appropriate applications and software for use in web and graphics development (including Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop and Illustrator).

Good communication, writing and editing skills.

Highly organized with attention to detail, meets deadlines and stays on schedule

Knowledge of all aspects of web accessibility and use of appropriate web analytic tools including Google Analytics.

Knowledge of MySQL preferred.

Understanding of SSL and data security principles, as well as backup and recovery processes.

Experience in the artistic application of digital technologies preferred.

Working knowledge of color theory, layout and design principles and typography.

Ability to creatively translate concepts into effective visual and interactive websites.

Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies who possess diverse technical backgrounds and skill levels.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to research and adopt new technologies and software features related to web design, content management, and accessibility.

Ability to meet complicated production timelines, adjust quickly as situations demand, and assure project completion in an atmosphere of change and shifting priorities.

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, web design, graphic design, media arts or digital media, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Additional Information

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately, but will remain open until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:

Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.

Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

For additional information, contact UMW Director of ITS, Mel Ewing, by email at . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University and Dillon Area

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 65 full-time faculty and 1,300 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).