WordPress Developer (Website Admin)

[Caution]
If you are a technical problem-solver at heart who thrives on building robust, secure, and efficient web solutions, this role will be a great fit.
This position requires deep proficiency in the WordPress ecosystem, a high degree of analytical skill for debugging, meticulous attention to detail in your code, and the ability to take ownership of a website's technical health. You will be responsible for the core infrastructure that powers our online presence.
If these values don't align with yours, this job can be a challenge for you.
So, only read further if you’re passionate about writing clean code, optimizing performance, and building the stable, secure foundation that allows a website to scale (ideally with a self-assessed ability level of 4.5 out of 5 stars or higher).

[Job Title]
Back-end WordPress Developer (Website Admin)

[Work Type]
Remote | Flexible Hours | Long-term Contract

[Base Payment]
We offer a project-based compensation structure for those who apply as part-time. That said, the expected monthly range is USD $500–$1,000(for full-time workers), depending on factors such as proficiency, workload, task complexity, performance (including bonuses), experience, skill set, and the final scope of responsibilities.

[Bonus]
There's potential for a performance-based bonus tied to the quality and impact of your work, such as meeting project deadlines and achieving key performance metrics (e.g., uptime, page speed improvements, security). We'll go over those details once you've demonstrated your skills, but you should be comfortable working with just the base pay initially.

[What You’ll Be Doing]

Your role is to be the technical guardian and engine of our WordPress website. You will be responsible for all back-end aspects of the site, ensuring it is secure, fast, and scalable. Your main tasks will include:

a) Custom Plugin & Theme Development: You will extend our website's functionality by developing custom plugins and theme features. This requires writing clean, well-documented code that adheres strictly to WordPress coding standards to ensure long-term maintainability and compatibility.

b) Database Management & Optimization: You will be responsible for the health of our WordPress database. This includes writing efficient database queries to ensure fast page loads and implementing robust security and backup protocols to protect our data.

c) Server-Side Scripting & PHP Logic: You will build and manage the core logic that powers our website's dynamic features. A deep understanding of PHP and WordPress Hooks (Actions and Filters) is essential to customize functionality without compromising the core structure.

d) API Integration & Management: You will connect our website with third-party services and applications. This involves leveraging the WordPress REST API and ensuring all data exchange is handled securely and efficiently.

e) Proactive Security & Maintenance: You will own our website's security posture. This involves implementing proactive security measures against common vulnerabilities (like XSS), performing regular malware scans, and diligently managing all updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins.

f) Website Performance Optimization: You will be tasked with making our website as fast as possible. Your responsibilities will include implementing effective caching strategies, optimizing database queries, and minifying code and resources to improve user experience and SEO rankings.

g) Advanced Troubleshooting & Debugging: When technical issues arise, you will be the expert responsible for diagnosing and resolving them. You must have strong problem-solving skills and be proficient with debugging tools to efficiently identify the root cause of any plugin conflict or server error.

[Goal]
The ultimate goal is to provide our business with a rock-solid, secure, and high-performing website. By transforming technical requirements into robust back-end solutions, you will ensure our digital platform is reliable, scalable, and provides a seamless experience for our users. You will be the engine of stability for our entire online operation.

[What We’re Looking For]
The ideal candidate:

a) Has Verifiable WordPress Development Experience: You have a strong portfolio showcasing custom plugins, themes, or complex back-end solutions you have built for WordPress.

b) Is a Master Problem-Solver: You can connect disparate symptoms to identify the root cause of a technical issue and can architect elegant, long-term solutions.

c) Is Meticulous and Security-Focused: You have a passion for writing clean, efficient code and a methodical approach to website security and maintenance.

d) Has a Proactive and Ownership Mindset: You don’t just fix problems as they appear; you anticipate future needs and continuously work to improve the website's performance and security.

e) Is Proficient with the Modern WordPress Stack: You are highly skilled in PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, and the WordPress REST API, and are comfortable using modern development and debugging tools.

f) Communicates with Clarity and Values Respect: You are reliable, accountable, and can explain complex technical issues in a clear, logical manner.

*Important Note:
We value respectful communication. What does it mean?
Most importantly, if you need to step away, just let me or your manager know why and when. We understand it, even if you need to leave tomorrow, BUT ghosting is the last thing you'd like to do, since it causes confusion and delays.
In everyday conversations, our team thrives on mutual respect, no matter your role.

[Why Work With Us?]
-Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle.
-The opportunity to be the foundational technical owner of a growing digital platform.
-Long-term growth opportunities as our company scales.
-A supportive environment where your technical expertise is valued and your impact is visible.

[About Us]
We are a growing team dedicated to providing an exceptional online experience in our industry. Our mission is to build a digital platform our audience can rely on. Your role is absolutely essential in building and maintaining the technical integrity that will make that mission a reality.

[How to Apply]
Subject Line: Start your title with either "Back-End WordPress Pro", or your application can't be considered.

In your application, include:

1) Portfolio & Code Samples: Share your resume, links to just your best 1~2 works(preferably your previous client's websites, stating your specific role). Do not share a link to everything you've done. Time is very limited.

2) Imagine this: It's Monday morning, and you get an urgent message. A client's website is intermittently showing a blank white screen (the WordPress White Screen of Death). They say they haven't changed anything. You have FTP and database access. Tell me the first five steps you would take, in the exact order you would take them, and narrate your reasoning for each action.

3) Troubleshooting Challenge: Your client's WordPress site has suddenly become very slow. Describe your process for diagnosing the issue. What are the first five things you would investigate and why?

4) Security Challenge: You suspect a WordPress site has been compromised. Briefly outline the key steps you would take to identify the breach, clean the site, and harden it against future attacks.

5) Beyond the obvious answers, what is one specific part of the WordPress core API or architecture that you genuinely admire for its design, and why? Conversely, what is one part that you find consistently frustrating or poorly designed, and how do you typically work around its limitations in your projects?

6) Preferred Tool Stack: What is your go-to development environment? Please list any specific debugging tools, IDEs, and version control systems you prefer to use.

7) Explain where and how you use AI to improve your productivity, and where you deliberately choose not to rely on AI. (Wish you aren't using AI for answering these questions, because they will be further discussed in the interview later.)

8) Available Hours: Let us know your general availability (e.g., "Approximately 20 hours per week, mostly flexible between 1PM - 8PM on Monday, 3 PM - 10PM on Tuesday, 12PM - 8PM on Wednesday, ..., in Philippines time").

9) Available Period of Work: Let us know for how long you expect to work with us. We'd prefer at least 6 months with opportunities for extension.

10) Willingness for Zoo ---------- etings: Confirm that you're willing to participate in occasional Zoo ---------- etings for team alignment and check-ins.

I will respond to your application in 7-15 days all at once.
We look forward to hearing from you