Jr Web Developer

DIGITAL ELEMENTS LLC

5h•$60,000 - $70,000•Remote

About The Position

The Junior Web Developer supports the Web Development Department by executing foundational website maintenance, development, optimization, and QA tasks across client websites and digital properties. This role focuses primarily on WordPress maintenance, front-end edits, plugin updates, basic speed optimization, and security checks, with exposure to more advanced website builds over time. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, process-driven, comfortable working in WordPress, and eager to grow deeper technical development skills in an agency environment. This is a hands-on execution role, not a senior development or architecture role yet.

Requirements

Hands-on experience working with WordPress
Understanding of standard WordPress template hierarchy, child themes, and staging environments
Basic experience with database backups and migrations
Basic working knowledge of PHP
Proficiency with HTML and CSS
Basic JavaScript knowledge
Ability to make basic website edits and troubleshoot common WordPress issues
Comfort working inside WordPress admin dashboards and page-building tools
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs
Clear written communication skills
Ability to document work, issues, and completed tasks clearly
Willingness to learn agency workflows and receive feedback

Nice To Haves

Experience with WPEngine
Experience with Cloudflare
Familiarity with WordPress page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, WPBakery, Divi, or Gutenberg blocks
Experience using website speed tools such as: Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, GTmetrix, WebPageTest
Basic understanding of: Website caching, Image optimization, Redirects, SSL certificates, DNS basics, Responsive design, Accessibility basics, SEO fundamentals, Google Analytics — GA4, Google Tag Manager — GTM
Exposure to Git or version control
Experience working on multiple websites or client accounts
Prior experience in an agency, freelance, or digital marketing environment

Responsibilities

Perform routine WordPress plugin, theme, and core updates
Review websites after updates to identify layout, functionality, or performance issues
Understand standard WordPress template hierarchy, child themes, and basic database backups/migrations using staging environments
Assist with troubleshooting WordPress issues related to plugins, themes, PHP errors, and configuration conflicts
Follow internal SOPs for updates, backups, staging, QA, and escalation
Make basic page edits using HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript
Update website content, layouts, images, buttons, links, forms, and other page elements
Assist with responsive adjustments across desktop, tablet, and mobile views
Implement minor design and layout changes based on direction from senior team members
Ensure edits are clean, functional, and consistent with existing website structure
Perform basic website speed optimization tasks using established SOPs
Assist with image compression, caching checks, plugin review, and performance cleanup
Use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, GTmetrix, or similar platforms to identify issues
Document optimization work and flag more complex performance concerns for senior developers
Support ongoing improvements to page load speed and user experience
Conduct basic website security audits and site health checks
Identify outdated plugins, vulnerable components, unusual admin users, SSL issues, and site warnings
Assist with backup checks and update-readiness reviews
Perform QA after updates, security changes, and website fixes
Escalate higher-risk security or technical issues to senior developers
Work within hosting environments, preferably WPEngine
Assist with staging-to-production workflows, backups, cache clearing, and environment checks
Support basic Cloudflare-related tasks such as cache clearing, DNS review, SSL checks, and CDN troubleshooting
Help with redirects, broken links, form testing, and basic launch support
Coordinate with internal team members to ensure technical requests are completed accurately
Assist senior developers with new website builds as skills grow
Help build pages from approved designs using WordPress tools, templates, or page builders
Support theme customization and child theme updates when appropriate
Participate in QA, launch preparation, and post-launch fixes
Gradually take on larger development tasks with guidance from senior team members