WordPress Developer -Javascript

Role Overview

LRS is seeking a WordPress Developer for a 6-month remote contract (with possibility of extension) supporting a client in Central Illinois. The role focuses on building high-quality WordPress sites beyond basic page building, with both front-end and back-end development.

Responsibilities

• Build custom WordPress themes and plugins from scratch using PHP, keeping them lightweight, scalable, and maintainable
• Develop custom blocks for the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)
• Integrate WordPress with third-party services via REST APIs (e.g., CRMs, payment gateways, marketing automation)
• Perform regular site audits to improve:
  • Page load speed
  • Core Web Vitals
  • Technical SEO health
• Provide ongoing site maintenance:
  • Debug plugin conflicts
  • Perform WordPress core updates
  • Implement security best practices

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional WordPress development experience
• Strong proficiency in PHP and MySQL
• Deep knowledge of WordPress core, including hooks (actions/filters) and template hierarchy
• Experience with modern tooling:
  • Git
  • Local development environments such as LocalWP or Docker
• Strong troubleshooting skills, including issues like:
  • White Screen of Death
  • Database performance problems
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and verbal)
• Must have permanent authorization to work in the USA

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with headless WordPress
• Familiarity with WCAG accessibility standards
• Experience with automated testing and/or CI/CD pipelines

Contract Details / Compensation

• 6-month contract, remote, possible extension
• Pay: $30–$60 per hour (depending on experience)