Software Applications Developer II - WordPress & Web Development

About the role

The Software Applications Developer II – WordPress & Web Development, under direction, performs complex and specialized web development functions in support of departmental digital platforms. This includes troubleshooting, analysis, research, debugging, and problem-solving across WordPress-based websites and full-stack web applications. The role supports front-end and back-end development, WordPress theme and plugin work, and accessibility compliance in collaboration with developers, designers, content managers, and project leaders.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and analyzes WordPress site documentation, code, and production results to facilitate problem resolution and identify root causes of web application issues.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems in WordPress environments, including theme conflicts, plugin failures, performance issues, and accessibility defects, by reviewing code and production output to identify causes, solutions, and make appropriate referrals.
• Evaluates and follows through on web development issues and problems until resolved or escalated.
• Participates in data architecture design for web applications, including content modeling, database structure, and API integration within WordPress and custom web solutions.
• Participates in the evaluation of WordPress plugins, themes, frameworks, and web tools to determine applicability, security, and maintainability for a given project or system.
• Assists the project leader with developing work plans and time schedules for web projects, including outlining phases, identifying personnel needs, and tracking milestones for site builds and migrations.
• Consults with clients and stakeholders to review project plans and schedules, communicates test results, and discusses web development problems or concerns with the project leader.
• Develops and implements complex WordPress themes, custom plugins, and full-stack web applications according to established requirements and specifications.
• Develops technical specifications based on input from clients and contributes to design documents for WordPress and web projects.
• Writes complex PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3 code for WordPress themes, plugins, and web applications, adhering to WordPress coding standards and departmental development guidelines.
• Tests complex WordPress themes, plugins, and web applications, including functional, cross-browser, responsive, and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility testing.
• Authors and maintains technical documentation, developer guides, and onboarding materials for web systems.
• Provides technical support and guidance to junior staff on WordPress workflows, codebases, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three (3) years of software applications development experience, with demonstrated focus on WordPress and web development, including experience building and maintaining public-facing WordPress sites using HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript or related experience.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others; working knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, PHP, and JavaScript for WordPress-based web development; familiarity with WordPress administration, including theme customization, plugin management, and content management workflows; knowledge of web accessibility standards and version control practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Web Development, or a related field.
• More than four years of WordPress or full-stack web development experience.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines or cloud hosting platforms such as WP Engine or Pantheon.
• Experience in a research, government, or higher education web environment.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Familiarity with HTML5, CSS3, PHP, and JavaScript for WordPress-based web development.
• Familiarity with WordPress administration, including theme customization, plugin management, and content management workflows.
• Knowledge of web accessibility standards and version control practices.

Benefits

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Flexible work schedules and remote work options may be available for this position, depending on the nature of the role and employee eligibility, in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.