The Career Framework is composed of 13 distinct Career Ladders and 48 unique job positions aligning to nine M&P Information Systems and Technology classification levels (compensation). The Career Framework can be used to determine where you currently are and where you would like to be. There are no limitations to how you can move around within the framework.
- lateral from one level in a ladder across to a different ladder at the same level
- diagonally from one level in a ladder upwards to a higher level in a different ladder
- upwards from one level in a ladder to a higher level in the same ladder
Movement from one position to another is determined by acquiring the skills, experience and competencies required for the new position. Being prepared for a given role will position you as a good candidate when the position becomes available within the organization. View current open positions.
Career Framework Diagram
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Career Ladder Descriptions
The career ladders have groupings of like skills and competencies which allows a person to progress based on attaining new levels of skills, knowledge and competencies. Within IT at UBC, we have identified 13 unique job ladders which span professional and management to technical and business focused positions. Click on the following for a description of each ladder and the associated position descriptions:
- Applications Development
- Audio Visual Services
- Business Analysis
- Client Services
- Database Administration
- Enterprise Architecture
- Leadership and Management
- Network Analysis
- Project Management
- Quality Assurance
- Support Analysis
- System Administration
- Systems Analysis
Applications Development
Application Development analyzes requirements, designs and evaluates existing or proposed systems and devises computer programs, systems and related procedures to process data. Positions in this role perform tactical and technical planning, prepare program specifications and diagrams, and develop coding logic flowcharts. Additionally they encode, test, document, install and support the operating programs and procedures.
Audio Visual Services
The Audio Visual services role provides academic multimedia coordination and support to facilitate events teaching, learning, assessment and research. Positions in this role analyze user and system requirements and guide, train, and provide technical assistance to users on the use and integration of appropriate technological processes and resources. Additionally they install, configure, troubleshoot and maintain related software, hardware, peripheral equipment, and network systems and evaluate new related technologies.
Business Analysis
The Business Analyst role carries out a variety of analyses (business process, needs assessment, cost/benefit, etc.) in an effort to align business initiatives with information technology solutions. Positions in this role make recommendations on how capabilities of automated systems can be used to improve business processes and solve business problems to support the short- and long-term direction of the business. Additionally they prepare functional, system and program specifications and make recommendations on hardware/software procurement to support business goals.
Client Services
The Client Services role acts as the day to day interface between IT and its clients and partners for all projects and provides broad overall management of IT Services within a client portfolio. Positions in this role encourage the use of information systems capabilities to meet current and future business needs, assist in establishing systems all aspects of IT services priorities in order to provide effective and efficient service for the unit, and ensure alignment between client initiatives and strategic goals of the University community. Additionally they develop and recommend service delivery standards, build and manage client relationships, and report on related performance measurements.
Database Administration
The Database Administration role defines and resolves information flow and content issues to translate business requirements into environment specific databases. Positions in this role monitor and analyze performance metrics and allocate database resources to achieve optimum database performance. Additionally they implement and perform backup and recovery procedures for the databases, develop the tools and techniques to access data in a secure environment, contribute to a common set of standards, methods and procedures used for all database development work, and recommend software and hardware upgrade paths. May include database analysis as well.
Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise Architecture is charged with the development and ongoing evolution of the Enterprise Architecture road map for UBC. Reporting to the CIO, the group maintains both a macro and micro view of UBC’s business goals, strategies, functions and processes in order to translate these into an architectural road map delivering IT components, standards, common requirements and guiding best practices. Positions in this role work closely with key stakeholders across the University to coordinate project-related activities, with the aim of ensuring that overall strategic planning and management of the portfolio supports the mission and vision, as well as the overall UBC community.
Leadership and Management
The IT Leadership and Management role provides management and leadership to a reporting department/group/unit, establishes strategies, operating plans and budgets, and leads projects in support of the strategic plan of the organization and in alignment with the overall UBC vision and goals. Positions in this role manage human, financial (budgets), physical and technological resources to ensure for the efficient provision of services. Additionally they take responsibility for improving processes that are affecting user satisfaction and relationships, and oversee the development of corporate standards, technology architecture, evaluation, and transfer.
Network Analysis
The Network Analysis role designs, installs, configures, and maintains information network systems. Positions in this role participate in capacity planning, contribute to the creation and the maintenance of network disaster recovery plans, and monitor all network performance and connectivity activities. Additionally they develop technical standards and application interface, design and implement appropriate network security measures and procedures, and make recommendations for improvement/upgrades.
Project Management
The Project Management role is responsible for the oversight of the entire project lifecycle from project initiation to implementation for all types of projects which may utilize information technology solutions. Positions in this role develop the initial project charter including the scope, define project guidelines, and business and information technology sponsor approvals. Additionally they develop project plans and schedules, assemble the project team, and determine and acquire ancillary resources needed to successfully complete the project. They are also responsible for the ongoing management of the project which includes status updates, risk management, budget management and issue resolution. Project Management is typically responsible for managing the project team members and their performance and enabling the team by removing roadblocks.
Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance role ensures that all information systems programs and projects meet organizational standards for usability, operability and performance and meet and end-user requirements. Positions in this role test applications for proper operation and freedom from defects, perform work-flow analysis, document all problems, and work with Project Team and Business Stakeholders to resolve them. Additionally they devise improvements to current procedures, develop models of possible future configurations, and recommend new processes, software and/or systems to improve internal information systems efficiency. Follows quality assurance lifecycle methodology and best practices and provides recommendations on design usability.
Support Analysis
The Support Analysis role provides technical support to end-users for software, hardware, networks and various related devices. Positions in this role configure and deploy all types of personal computing devices and peripherals and perform application and operating system software installations and upgrades. Additionally they train users on software and hardware, troubleshoot and resolve user problems, and maintain related user, inventory and warranty records.
System Administration
The Systems Administration role analyzes and resolves systems hardware (such as servers, operating systems and drivers) and software problems and develops technical solutions. Positions in this role formulate and define systems scope and objectives based on user needs. Additionally they coordinate and prepare detailed documentation for system installations and maintenance including user and technical manuals.
Systems Analysis
The Systems Analysis role implements, integrates and supports vendor supplied applications. They are often familiar with a variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Because they often write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and IT professionals. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines.