About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Full Stack WordPress Developer to serve as the primary technical lead for our web presence. This is not a standard "drag-and-drop" WordPress role; it requires a developer with deep experience in PHP, custom plugin development, and server management.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end health of our application, hosted on a DigitalOcean Droplet using a LEMP stack. Beyond code, you will act as a partner to our internal teams (Board, Adoption Records, and Newsletter staff), ensuring the site is mobile-responsive, functional, and easy for our staff to use.
Key Responsibilities
1. Application Development \& Maintenance
Maintain and update a WordPress installation running on a LEMP stack (Linux, Nginx, MySQL, PHP).
Debug, refactor, and extend existing custom-developed plugins.
Develop new features and functionality as requested by the Board and stakeholders.
Manage software updates (WordPress core, plugins, PHP versions) while ensuring compatibility with custom code.
2. Design \& User Experience (UI/UX)
Refresh the website’s aesthetic with a modern, clean look.
Mobile Optimization: Audit and overhaul the current CSS/Front-end to ensure a seamless, fully responsive experience on mobile devices and tablets.
Ensure the site meets basic accessibility standards (WCAG) and maintains high performance scores (Core Web Vitals).
3. Server \& Infrastructure Management
Manage the DigitalOcean environment, including droplet scaling, backups, and security configurations.
Configure and maintain Nginx server blocks and SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt).
Monitor server logs to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks or security threats.
4. Support, Training \& Communication
Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for the Board, Adoption Records Staff, and Newsletter Staff.
Troubleshooting: Provide prompt resolution for reported bugs, broken links, or functionality errors.
Training: Create simple documentation or video walkthroughs to train staff on how to use new features or manage content.
Translate complex technical issues into clear, understandable language for non-technical decision-makers
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
Back-End: Strong proficiency in PHP (7.4+ and 8.x) and MySQL database management.
WordPress Core: Deep understanding of the WP Hook/Filter system, Custom Post Types, and REST API.
Front-End: Proficiency in HTML5, CSS3/SASS, and JavaScript (jQuery and vanilla JS).
Server Administration: Comfort working via Command Line (SSH), managing Nginx configurations, and handling Linux file permissions.
Version Control: Experience using Git for tracking changes to custom theme/plugin code.
Professional Skills
Proven experience working as a solo contractor or lead developer.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Ability to estimate time requirements for features accurately.
Patience and empathy when training non-technical staff.
Preferred / Bonus Skills
Familiarity with DNS management (Cloudflare or similar).
Experience optimizing database queries for high-traffic sites.
Knowledge of modern page builders (Elementor/Divi) or Block Editor (Gutenberg) development, depending on our current setup.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Expected hours: 1 – 20 per week
Work Location: Remote