Senior Web Programmer Wanted: PHP

I have a web company based in Los Angeles (United States) and I am looking to hire an independent contractor for a possible long term relationship. I have immediate web programming/ development work that requires 40 hours per week .

This position is for a senior web developer with very strong PHP programming skills who can take a project and build it from scratch or take on a project that has already been started from another programmer and complete it quickly and efficiently. Most of our projects require a strong skillset in PHP, HTML, CSS, MySQL administration, Linux administration. The candidate must be able to handle day to day web maintenance, e-commerce, trouble shooting, PHP programming, Joomla, e-commerce, run reports for clients, set up and format newsletter templates in word press as well as someone who can work well with fellow in-house designers and other programmers. Candidate must have a Skype account, with a good microphone. Any experience or interest in SEO (serach engine Optimization) is also a big plus as well as a good design sense. We have been in business since 1997, we are a small (still growing company) and I am a very easy going boss that is easy to work with. I am looking for very smart hard working candidates that can help with our business goals.

We will be testing potential candidates so please be open to taking a test to screen for proficiency.
Excellent communication both written and spoken is also a must.

Current projects that we will need assistance with:

The following are projects that we will need to "hand-off" to you-- these projects are 80-90% completed and will require that you continue with the programming following the lead programmers direction. You must be able to solve problems quickly and be very bright.

Wedding template website
? Template implementations (Skill set: HTML, advanced CSS)
? RSVP system (Skill set: PHP, HTML, CSS, advanced JQuery)
Project management website
? Reporting system, client/user management, restricted client login and reporting, permissions system, PDF reporting. (Skill set: PHP, HTML, CSS, JQuery, MySQL)
Custom Flash Product Designer (product designer for t-hirts, mugs, etc)
? Modify Flash designer to allow for basic parameterized color/skin changes, resizing of window, and general bug fixes (Skill set: OpenLaszlo, MySQL, PHP)
? Redesign admin panel to look nicer, and be a bit easier to work with art libraries in the tens of thousands. (Skill set: PHP, MySQL, CSS, Design work)
? Add ability to create and save pre-made designs which can be loaded and modified. This is 90% done, but the code has been disabled and may need to be revamped. (Skill set: OpenLaszlo, PHP, MySQL, HTML)
Design your own handbags website
? Revisions to the designer. We have mockups completed for this. (Skillset: PHP, JQuery)
? Backend tool to make managing bags easier (Skill set: PHP, HTML, MySQL)
• Conference Manger (event manager website)
? Backend modifications to make it flexible enough for people to upload their own template and handle a multitude of event types. (Skill set: PHP, HTML, strong CSS layout skills, JQuery, MySQL)
? Marketing site that accepts payments. We may be able to adapt the existing Join The Wedding marketing site, as it already satisfies all of our needs for this. (Skill set: Design work, PHP, HTML, CSS, MySQL)

I look forward to speaking with you further about this possible job opportunity. Please reply to this posting with your resume, availability, desired salary (US), samples and the best time to reach you and your Skype information.