Web Applications Developer II

About The Company Texas A&M AgriLife is a distinguished member of the Texas A&M University System, encompassing the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. As the nation's largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife integrates a college and four state agencies dedicated to advancing agriculture and life sciences. With a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees and a presence in every Texas county, the organization is uniquely equipped to enhance lives, environments, and the Texas economy through education, research, extension, and service initiatives. About The Role The Web Applications Developer II – WordPress & Full-Stack Web Development will perform complex and specialized web development tasks to support organizational websites, web applications, and digital platforms. This role primarily focuses on WordPress development, including modern theme, plugin, and block development, alongside custom web applications, APIs, and integrations. The position involves both front-end and back-end development, troubleshooting, testing, accessibility compliance, and ongoing platform support. The developer will collaborate closely with developers, designers, content managers, project leaders, and stakeholders to modernize, maintain, and enhance public-facing websites and applications across the organization. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Minimum of four years of related experience in web development. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in front-end and back-end web development technologies including HTML5, CSS3, PHP, and JavaScript. 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. Understanding of responsive web design and cross-browser compatibility. Knowledge of web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and accessible development practices. Experience with version control systems and collaborative development workflows. Ability to analyze technical problems and communicate solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Web Development, Information Technology, or related fields. 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 development practices including Gutenberg, Full Site Editing, and theme.json. Experience with REST API development and third-party service integrations. Experience with relational databases and application data management. Familiarity with JavaScript frameworks and 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 working in research, government, or higher education web environments. Willingness to work beyond normal business hours and on weekends as required. Responsibilities Review and analyze web application and WordPress documentation, source code, configurations, and production results to identify and resolve complex issues. Troubleshoot and resolve problems related to WordPress themes, plugins, block editor, custom code defects, application errors, performance, integrations, and accessibility. Participate in application and data design including content modeling, database structures, APIs, and integrations. Evaluate WordPress plugins, themes, block themes, frameworks, libraries, and APIs for security, accessibility, performance, and maintainability. Assist project leaders in developing work plans, schedules, and technical estimates for website and web application projects. Consult with clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide technical recommendations on WordPress capabilities and web development approaches. Contribute to technical specifications and design documentation based on project requirements. Develop and implement complex WordPress websites, themes, block themes, custom blocks, plugins, and web applications in accordance with specifications. Write and maintain code using PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and related technologies following WordPress coding standards. Apply modern WordPress development practices including block editor/Gutenberg, block-based development, theme.json, and Full Site Editing. Develop and maintain integrations between WordPress and external APIs, databases, and other web applications. Test and remediate web applications for functionality, cross-browser compatibility, responsiveness, and accessibility compliance. Use version control and established workflows to manage source code and application changes. Author and maintain technical documentation, developer guides, and onboarding materials. Provide technical support and mentorship to less experienced staff. Participate in code reviews and collaborative development activities. Stay current with evolving WordPress and web development technologies and best practices. Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals. Benefits Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with premium contributions from AgriLife. 12-15 annual paid holidays. Accrual of up to 8 hours per month of sick leave and at least 8 hours per month of vacation leave. Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Employee wellness initiatives promoting health and well-being. Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internal programs. Flexible work schedules with limited options for partial remote work within Texas, subject to eligibility and organizational policies. Equal Opportunity The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity, Veterans, and Disability Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.