Web Applications Developer II - WordPress & Full Stack Web Development

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Web Applications Developer II – WordPress & Full-Stack Web Development, under direction, performs complex and specialized web development functions in support of organizational websites, web applications, and digital platforms. WordPress is a primary development platform for this position, with responsibilities also extending to custom web applications, APIs, integrations, and related web technologies. The role supports front-end and back-end development, modern WordPress theme, plugin, and block development, application troubleshooting, testing, accessibility, and ongoing platform support. The position works collaboratively with developers, designers, content managers, project leaders, and stakeholders to develop, modernize, and maintain public-facing websites and web applications across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four (4) years of web applications development experience, with demonstrated focus on WordPress and web development, including experience building and maintaining public-facing WordPress sites or web applications using HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, or related web technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Working knowledge of front-end and back-end web development using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JavaScript, and related web technologies.
• Working knowledge of modern WordPress development and administration, including themes, plugins, blocks, templates, block-based site development, content management workflows, and site configuration.
• Familiarity with APIs, databases, structured data, and web application integrations.
• Knowledge of responsive web development and cross-browser compatibility.
• Knowledge of web accessibility standards and accessible development practices.
• Knowledge of version control practices and collaborative development workflows.
• Ability to analyze technical problems, evaluate potential solutions, and communicate technical information to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Web Development, Information Technology, or a related field.
• More than four years of WordPress, full-stack, or web application development experience.
• Experience developing custom WordPress themes, block themes, plugins, or blocks using modern WordPress development practices, including Gutenberg, Full Site Editing, or theme.json.
• Experience developing or integrating REST APIs and third-party services.
• Experience working with relational databases or application data.
• Experience with JavaScript frameworks or modern front-end development tools.
• Experience with authentication or single sign-on integrations.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines or automated web development and deployment workflows.
• Experience with cloud or managed web hosting platforms such as WP Engine or Pantheon.
• Experience developing accessible websites or applications conforming to WCAG standards.
• Experience in a research, government, or higher education web environment.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and analyzes web application and WordPress documentation, source code, configurations, and production results to facilitate problem resolution and identify root causes of application issues.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems in WordPress and other web application environments, including theme and plugin conflicts, custom code defects, block editor issues, application errors, performance problems, integration issues, and accessibility defects.
• Evaluates and follows through on web development issues and problems until resolved or appropriately escalated.
• Participates in application and data design for web solutions, including content modeling, database structures, APIs, integrations, and application components.
• Participates in the evaluation of WordPress plugins, themes, block themes, frameworks, libraries, APIs, and other web development tools to determine applicability, security, accessibility, performance, and maintainability.
• Assists the project leader with developing work plans and schedules for website and web application projects, including outlining phases, identifying technical needs, estimating development effort, and tracking milestones for development, modernization, and migration work.
• Consults with clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provides technical recommendations regarding WordPress capabilities, web development approaches, integrations, accessibility, and implementation options within established technical standards.
• Reviews project plans and schedules, communicates development and testing results, and discusses technical problems or concerns with project leaders and stakeholders.
• Contributes to technical specifications and design documentation based on project and stakeholder requirements.
• Collaborates with project leaders, developers, designers, and content managers throughout development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Develops and implements complex WordPress websites, themes, block themes, custom blocks, plugins, and web applications according to established requirements and specifications.
• Develops front-end and back-end components for WordPress and other web applications using appropriate web technologies.
• Writes complex PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and related web application code in accordance with WordPress coding standards and established development guidelines.
• Applies modern WordPress development practices, including the block editor/Gutenberg, block-based development, block themes, theme.json, and Full Site Editing where appropriate.
• Develops and maintains integrations between WordPress, external APIs, data sources, databases, and other web applications as needed to support application functionality.
• Tests and remediates WordPress solutions and other web applications for functionality, cross-browser compatibility, responsive behavior, overall quality, and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility.
• Uses version control and established development workflows to manage source code and application changes.
• Authors and maintains technical documentation, developer guides, application documentation, and onboarding materials for websites and web applications.
• Provides technical support and guidance to less experienced staff on WordPress development workflows, application codebases, troubleshooting, and established quality standards.
• Participates in code reviews and collaborative development activities.
• Maintains knowledge of evolving WordPress and web development technologies and applies appropriate practices to assigned work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree