Contract Full Stack WordPress Developer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Full Stack WordPress Developer to serve as the primary technical lead for our web presence. This specialized role requires deep expertise in PHP, custom plugin development, and robust server management, moving beyond standard drag-and-drop functionality.

The developer will manage the end-to-end health of our application, which is hosted on a DigitalOcean Droplet utilizing a LEMP stack (Linux, Nginx, MySQL, PHP). This position involves partnering with internal teams (Board, Adoption Records, Newsletter staff) to ensure the website is highly functional, mobile-responsive, and user-friendly for staff content management.

Key Responsibilities

Application Development & Maintenance

• Maintain and update the WordPress installation running on a LEMP stack (Linux, Nginx, MySQL, PHP).
• Debug, refactor, and extend existing custom-developed WordPress plugins.
• Develop new features and functionality based on stakeholder requests.
• Manage software updates (WordPress core, plugins, PHP versions) while ensuring compatibility with custom code.

Design & User Experience (UI/UX)

• Refresh the website's aesthetic to achieve a modern, clean look.
• Perform Mobile Optimization, auditing and overhauling CSS/Front-end for a seamless, fully responsive experience across mobile devices and tablets.
• Ensure the site meets basic WCAG accessibility standards and maintains high Core Web Vitals performance scores.

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.

Support, Training & Communication

• Act as the primary technical point of contact (Stakeholder Liaison) for the Board, Adoption Records Staff, and Newsletter Staff.
• Provide prompt troubleshooting and resolution for reported bugs, broken links, or functionality errors.
• Create simple documentation or video walkthroughs to train staff on new features or content management.
• Translate complex technical issues into clear, understandable language for non-technical decision-makers.

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Back-End Development: Strong proficiency in PHP (7.4+ and 8.x) and MySQL database management.
• WordPress Core Expertise: Deep understanding of the WP Hook/Filter system, Custom Post Types, and the REST API.
• Front-End Proficiency: Expertise in HTML5, CSS3/SASS, and JavaScript (including 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 accurately estimate time requirements for feature development.
• Patience and empathy required when training non-technical staff.

Preferred / Bonus Skills

• Familiarity with DNS management (e.g., Cloudflare).
• Experience optimizing database queries for high-traffic websites.
• Knowledge of modern page builders (Elementor/Divi) or Block Editor (Gutenberg) development.

Job Type: Part-time, Contract

Expected Hours: 1 – 20 per week

Work Location: Remote