Part-Time Web Content Assistant

Statement of Duties:

The City of Somerville is seeking a Part-Time Web Content Assistant to assist with the maintenance of SomervilleMA.gov, which operates on the Drupal 10 Content Management System (CMS). This position involves updating and managing website content to ensure it remains current, accessible, and user-friendly. The part-time Web Content Assistant will collaborate closely with the City's communications department and other citywide staff, working remotely. This position reports directly to both the Web Content Administrator and the Director of Web Content and Development.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Content Posting and Updates:

• Rapid posting of City meetings, documents, events, press releases, and community notices/alerts on the City’s website.
• Perform minor updates to departmental pages, including editing body copy, updating links, and replacing images.
• Upload minutes, agendas, and YouTube videos to relevant sections of the website.
• Create and publish basic web pages within Drupal 10.

Content Management:

• Ensure all content adheres to Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, WCAG level AA, and City style guides and policies.
• Maintain content accuracy and relevance through regular reviews and updates.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work under the direction of the Web Content Administrator and the Director of Web Content and Development, following best practices for web content creation.
• Communicate effectively and responsively via phone and email, especially when working remotely.

Technical Support:

• Assist in troubleshooting minor website issues related to content display and functionality.
• Support the implementation of content addition protocols and workflows.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned to support the City’s web presence.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Media Production, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in website content management, preferably with Drupal.
• Experience with Drupal 10 is highly desirable

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in writing and editing basic HTML and CSS.
• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS), particularly Drupal.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop or other digital image manipulation tools is preferred.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics 4.

Other Requirements:

• Schedule: Part-time hours with potential evening or weekend work during peak periods or emergencies. Schedule will typically involve 10 to 15 hours per week.
• Full Availability During City Hall Hours of Operation (Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-4:30pm, Thursday 8:30am-7:30pm, Friday 8:30am-12:30pm) to promptly post content as needed to ensure compliance with Open Meeting Law and departmental needs, operating on an on-call basis (performing an average of 3 to 4 hours per day). 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable remote internet access and possession of a modern laptop capable of running current web browsers.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

Knowledge:

• Solid understanding of web UI & UX principles and responsive web design.
• Knowledge of web content accessibility regulations and best practices.
• Familiarity with search engine optimization (SEO) and Google Analytics is advantageous.

Abilities:

• Ability to update and build web pages, managing various content types including images, videos, and documents.
• Capability to assess website design decisions and suggest feature enhancements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Skills:

• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and Drupal.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.

Work Environment

Little or no physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as ledger books, photocopy and computer paper.

Physical and Mental Requirements

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

Physical Skills

Minimal physical demands; primarily involves sitting and working at a computer. Occasional lifting of light objects (up to 30 lbs) may be required.

Motor Skills

Basic motor skills necessary for operating a computer, phone, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills

Ability to continuously read and analyze documents for content accuracy and compliance.

Hours: Part-Time, 3-4 hours/day
Salary: $25.00/hour
Union: Non-Union
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Date Posted: October 1st, 2024

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completition of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation (for non-union positions) union positions vary by contract
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.