Web Applications Developer II - WordPress & Full Stack Web Development

Job Title Web Applications Developer II - WordPress & Full Stack Web Development Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department AgriLife Center for Managed Technology Services (CMTS) Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings 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 county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife! Position Information Job Summary: 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. Responsibilities: Problem Resolution, Technical Evaluation, and Project Management 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. Project Planning and Consultation 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. Design, Development, and Testing 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. Other Duties 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. Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or closely related field, or, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experi