Software Applications Developer II - WordPress & Web Development
Texas A&M AgriLife is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, bringing together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every Texas county, AgriLife improves lives, environments, and the economy through education, research, extension, and service.
About the role
The Software Applications Developer II – WordPress & Web Development performs complex and specialized web development in support of departmental digital platforms. Responsibilities include 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
- Problem Resolution, Technical Evaluation, and Project Management (30%)
- 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.
- Evaluates and follows through on web development issues 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.
- Evaluates WordPress plugins, themes, frameworks, and web tools for applicability, security, and maintainability.
- Assists project leaders with developing work plans, time schedules, and tracking milestones for site builds and migrations.
- Project Planning and Consultation (25%)
- Consults with clients and stakeholders to review project plans, schedules, test results, and discuss web development problems or concerns.
- Design, Development, and Testing (25%)
- Develops and implements complex WordPress themes, custom plugins, and full-stack web applications according to established requirements.
- Develops technical specifications based on client input 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.
- Tests complex WordPress themes, plugins, and web applications, including functional, cross-browser, responsive, and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility testing.
- Other Duties (20%)
- 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.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three years of software applications development experience, with demonstrated focus on WordPress and web development, including building and maintaining public-facing WordPress sites using HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript.
Skills
- 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.
Preferred 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.
Other Requirements
- Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, including communications systems, computer networks, and cybersecurity systems.
- Required to be on call, work weekends, and times outside regular business hours as warranted by business necessity.
- May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays to support technology services and ensure seamless operation of essential systems.
- This position is security-sensitive and requires compliance with state and federal laws, as well as Texas A&M University System policies.
- All tasks must be performed safely in compliance with safety requirements.
- Alternate work location may be available per AgriLife guidelines.
Pay
Pay Grade 69. Compensation is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Schedule
This is a full-time, on-site position based in College Station, Texas. Partially remote work may be available pending eligibility requirements.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.