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Come and work for us - 2 new jobs at walkit.com
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Deadline: Friday 12 February
A new year and 2 new job opportunities at walkit.com. Come and help us capitalise on opportunities to build a stronger, more popular and richer service, and get Britain walking more!
We're looking for a web developer and a data manager.
1. Web developer
You'll need to be a good problem solver, with a solid coding background. You should have a pragmatic approach to software development, with an eye for clean, usable, standards-compliant, cross-browser web design.
More specifically you will need to be:- expert in PHP and MYSQL
- able to transform any graphic design into valid and clean XHTML and CSS
- well versed in WordPress development, including plugin and theme development
- able to code javascript to a good standard (at least 2 years experience), with a good familiarity of jQuery
- very familiar with and confident working in the Unix shell, and have experience working with command line tools
- familiar with the use of source control systems, such as SVN
2. Data manager
You'll need to have a solid database and systems background. You must have experience of working in a systems critical environment, with an eye for detail and a “safety first” attitude to system management.
You will need to be:- experienced with MYSQL administration and query writing, including creation and use of stored procedures
- experienced with UNIX/LINUX shell scripting (preferably bash shell)
- very familiar with and confident working in a Unix environment, and have experience working with command line tools
- familiar with data backup and disaster recovery procedures
The jobs will be based at walkit.com's Birmingham office, though we will consider the possibility of working remotely (in which case you should be able to come to our Birmingham office at least once a week).
Terms
Full time, although part-time will be considered for more experienced candidates.
Salary
To be discussed with candidates based on their experience.
Deadline
Friday 12 February
Get in touch
Think you might be the person for the job? Or know someone else who might be? Then please drop us a line on jobs@walkit.com with:- your CV
- why you'd like to work for walkit.com
- how your skills could be used to develop the service
- where possible, links to examples of your work that you think are relevant to the role
Mind the hill - view our new incline data below each London route
We've just launched a new hill profile graph which you can find beneath all of our London route maps. This follows their introduction in other walkit.com cities such as Sheffield and Glasgow.
In these areas you can see how steep different parts of your journey will be – particularly useful info if you're carrying a load, pushing a pram or using a wheelchair. Or maybe you've got medical or age-related reasons for wanting to avoid hills. We think bikers should also find this info handy.
Here are some examples:
The graph's y axis measures 0 to 250m above sea level, and the x axis 0 to 6,000m of walk length. For route lengths of under 6km the graph line will stop short of the end of the right-hand edge of the chart area (i.e. we don't stretch to fit) – we think this allows you to make more meaningful comparisons between the hilliness of each route (see first two images above) .
However for practical reasons, for routes over 6km, we compress the whole distance into the chart area – so you might end up with a slightly Matterhorn-esque graph line (see third image).
Please note that we take account of the impact inclines have on walking speed when generating a route – so your journey times and Calories burns will change accordingly. We'll also try and find you a route round a hill, rather than over it, if we think it'll make your journey quicker.
Please let us know what you think, and/or comment below.
How do we solve the national icy pavement crisis?
While the country continues to be gripped by arctic conditions (well, a good old-fashioned winter), and cars and buses grind to halt, it would be nice to say 'well, maybe walking might be the best option for some of your journeys…'.
But it's not an easy argument to make when negotiating pavements at the moment requires the skills of Torvill and Dean.
What lots of people seem to be doing now is walk down the middle of the road, because it's where you're most likely to retain some grip. But it's hardly an ideal solution – for either pedestrian or motorist.
So what to do?
The Telegraph is reporting that Scottish Tories want crims to be put to work clearing icy pavements, while the Guardian insists that pavements should have equal gritting treatment to the roads, as do Living Streets:“We’ve all been there – slipping and sliding along our pavements in the morning frost as the weather turns cold, while cars roar past on freshly gritted roads. It’s a problem for anyone who wants to walk to the shops, to work, even just to the local bus stop. But if you’re older or have a disability, these dangerous conditions make it almost impossible to venture outdoors.
Many local authorities already take effective action to keep our pavements accessible to all throughout winter, but Living Streets is calling on Councils to make this the rule, not the exception. The disregard for pedestrian routes in icy conditions not only discourages people from walking locally, but can also result in Councils having to pay huge amounts of compensation to those injured as a result.”
There seems to be a lot of “the council should…” talk going on, but realistically, what are the chances of this happening when many side roads (let alone pavements) haven't seen even a grain of grit this winter. And when budgets are being slashed. And when the mileage of pavement must be nearly double that of roads (?), and much less accessible for treatment by vehicle.
Could there be a 'bottom up' solution (to help prevent everyone going arse over tit)? The council would ask someone in each street to act as 'grit monitor'. They, with as many able-bodied volunteers as they could muster, would then manage a 'grit bin', and ensure their street's pavements got the treatment they deserve. Didn't something like that happen in times gone by?
Probably hopelessly impractical, inefficient and costly. And overly reliant on community spirit. And no good for this year.
What are your ideas for solving the great icy pavement crisis of 2010? (wait until it gets warmer maybe…?)
New Year, New Office for the Birmingham walkit.com team
The Brum team are now big in rhubarb (only the second occupants so far…).
Situated within the Digbeth and Deritend conservation area, rhubarb is located next to the historic Old Crown Pub and right opposite the Custard Factory (geddit?) on Heath Mill Lane.
Here are some of the green credentials:- Brownfield Development Site
- Building structure is made from 95% recycled steel
- Low energy LED lighting throughout the communal areas
- Efficient energy use using heat recovery technology
- CO2 absorbing “green wall” panel (that's the big camouflage hairy caterpillar thing climbing the wall in the picture above) with rainwater harvesting
- Well insulated building for lower running costs
Here's a route from New Street station if you want to come and visit – a mere 11 minutes for speedy walkers.
