Python job opening at GPO in Washington, DC

[Stephen Ferg]

For more info:

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ge...ogo=0&col=dltc&cy=&brd=3876&lid=&fn=&q=python

I just saw this opening posted. It is a Federal government position
(GS-13) at the Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, right
across the street from where I work.

1. Extensive knowledge of object-oriented programming.
2. Extensive knowledge of XML and XSLT.
3. Extensive knowledge of Linux/Unix Operating Systems.
4. Extensive knowledge of either the Python and/or C Sharp language.
5. Expert knowledge of operating systems and programming languages in
order to write and debug complex computer programs.
6. Ability to write detailed specifications for any new application
need by the department.

-- Steve Ferg ([email protected])

 

[Nick Vargish]

I've been way behind on reading this newsgroup, but I see someone
noticed the posting for someone who will be my co-worker and partner
in advocacy...

I just saw this opening posted. It is a Federal government position
(GS-13) at the Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, right
across the street from where I work.

We just got to interviewing for this position (government schedule,
obviously) and there were very few applicants with real-world Python
experience. Maybe I should have campaigned more heavily on this
newsgroup.

I've been working to get Python accepted here at GPO, my main
arguments have been maintainability, portability, and developer
productivity.

Nick

 

[William Park]

I've been way behind on reading this newsgroup, but I see someone
noticed the posting for someone who will be my co-worker and partner
in advocacy...



We just got to interviewing for this position (government schedule,
obviously) and there were very few applicants with real-world Python
experience. Maybe I should have campaigned more heavily on this
newsgroup.

I've been working to get Python accepted here at GPO, my main
arguments have been maintainability, portability, and developer
productivity.

Hmmm, you're trying to convince your boss to do with less budget. So,
he goes to his boss and says, "My IT budget was $10Million last year,
but just give me $1Million this year. I've got Python." I don't think
ANY government works this way.

What you should say is, "With Python (and Linux), we can outperform
other departments with only %10 of our current resource. Pretty soon,
we can take over their duties and their budgets. Our department will
grow 5 folds in 2 years."

 

[Nick Vargish]

Hmmm, you're trying to convince your boss to do with less budget. So,
he goes to his boss and says, "My IT budget was $10Million last year,
but just give me $1Million this year. I've got Python." I don't think
ANY government works this way.

Or any IT department, not just government, in any large organization.

There's also fewer training courses to budget for, and fewer
vendor-sponsored conferences to attend. Sure, we can only accept gifts
under $30, but the competition is much fiercer since the stakes are so
much smaller.

Nonetheless, my boss is actually very interested in Python, because
he's interested in building sustainable systems. He's spent enough
time nursing along proprietary systems that have become both
entrenched and orphaned that he's sick and tired of it.

What you should say is, "With Python (and Linux), we can outperform
other departments with only %10 of our current resource. Pretty soon,
we can take over their duties and their budgets. Our department will
grow 5 folds in 2 years."

I've heard worse strategies. My immediate boss might be able to sell
my efforts to _his_ boss with that kind of approach.

Nick

 

[William Park]

Nonetheless, my boss is actually very interested in Python, because
he's interested in building sustainable systems. He's spent enough
time nursing along proprietary systems that have become both
entrenched and orphaned that he's sick and tired of it.

Ahh, but those complaints are not really complaint. They are job
security for your coworkers and the boss who manages them. Pretty soon,
you would be labelled as "not a team player" by your coworkers and
"trouble maker" by your union rep.

I wish you good luck. It's shame that they don't use LaTeX or shell
scripts.

 

[Nick Vargish]

I wish you good luck. It's shame that they don't use LaTeX or shell
scripts.

Traditionally it's been SGML, currently in transition to XML, with an
in-house typesetting application. Rumor has it that SVG is being
considered as the new page description language, and XSLT will be the
engine that drives this bus. However, I'm certainly not at a pay grade
that entitles me to make any predictions about what we'll wind up
working with.

This wouldn't be the first place where my fondness for things that
work has gotten me into trouble -- I'm used to it.

Nick

 

[Heather Coppersmith]

This wouldn't be the first place where my fondness for things
that work has gotten me into trouble ...

I nominate that as Quote of the Week.

Regards,
Heather