WordPress Web Developer at Planeteria Media

Planeteria Media specializes in building websites for organizations that serve and support local communities, including cities, transit agencies, water districts, and other public institutions.

We are a small, fully remote team committed to delivering high-quality digital experiences with a strong focus on accessibility, craftsmanship, and long-term sustainability.

Our work makes a meaningful real-world difference, and we take responsibility for supporting the solutions we build.

About the Role

Planeteria Media is seeking an experienced WordPress Developer to create, enhance, and maintain custom WordPress block themes and plugins.

In this role, you will transform design concepts into accessible, responsive websites while developing intuitive content structures and editing experiences that integrate seamlessly with WordPress.

You will be responsible for delivering secure, high-performing, and scalable code that is easy to maintain over time.

You’ll also incorporate AI-powered development tools into your workflow, using your technical expertise to review, validate, optimize, and ensure the reliability of all code before it reaches production.

Key Responsibilities

• Build custom WordPress block themes using templates, patterns, theme.json, and block supports.
• Develop and maintain custom plugins, including third-party integrations, administrative interfaces, and editorial workflows.
• Convert Figma designs into responsive, accessible front-end experiences while following WCAG principles.
• Apply WordPress security best practices, including capability checks, nonce verification, data sanitization, escaping, and secure data handling.
• Optimize website performance through efficient asset loading, Core Web Vitals improvements, and appropriate caching strategies.
• Work closely with project managers, designers, and content teams to define requirements, estimate project timelines, and communicate technical considerations.
• Investigate and resolve production issues while continuously improving code quality and system reliability.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, assist with project handovers, and participate in client training and ongoing support when required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a dependable, analytical, and self-motivated developer who enjoys solving technical challenges and delivering quality digital solutions.

You should be someone who:

• Communicates effectively through written updates and remote collaboration, asking important questions before challenges arise.
• Keeps up with new WordPress features, development standards, and industry best practices.
• Enjoys troubleshooting, continuous learning, and identifying the underlying causes of technical problems.
• Looks for opportunities to improve development processes, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
• Prioritizes user experience, accessibility, and long-term functionality over unnecessary technical complexity.
• Manages deadlines responsibly and communicates potential risks, unclear requirements, or changes in project scope early.
• Works independently while maintaining consistent communication and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Accepts constructive feedback and contributes positively to code reviews.
• Communicates confidently with clients, providing clear explanations and practical solutions.
• Maintains high development standards by testing thoroughly, checking edge cases, and treating security as a fundamental requirement.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• At least 3 years of professional experience developing WordPress websites and applications.
• Strong understanding of WordPress core APIs, hooks, custom post types, taxonomies, and template systems.
• Experience developing custom Gutenberg blocks using block.json, with an emphasis on creating intuitive editing experiences.
• Familiarity with the WordPress Interactivity API for building interactive blocks.
• Proficiency in block theme development, including theme.json, templates, patterns, and native Gutenberg editing environments.
• Strong foundational knowledge of PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Practical understanding of website accessibility standards and performance optimization.
• Experience working with Git-based development workflows and deploying production-ready code.
• Knowledge of OWASP-aligned security practices, including nonce verification, user capabilities, sanitization, and escaping.
• Ability to work effectively with AI-assisted coding tools, reviewing generated code, troubleshooting problems, and making necessary improvements before deployment.

Additional Experience That Would Be an Advantage

• Experience with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), WooCommerce, complex third-party integrations, or public-sector websites.
• Familiarity with Pantheon hosting and managing multiple development environments.
• Advanced SCSS skills and experience working beyond standard CSS implementations.
• Ability to improve front-end architecture and development build tools when necessary.
• Experience working with React or Next.js.

Performance Expectations

First 30 Days

• Deliver smaller fixes, updates, and website improvements.
• Become familiar with the company’s existing theme and plugin development practices.
• Begin contributing confidently through pull requests and collaborative development.

Within 90 Days

Independently manage a feature from initial requirements and development through quality assurance and launch.

Participate in client-facing technical discussions and implementation planning, with guidance and support from the development team.

Benefits and Perks

• Fully remote working arrangement.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Support for continuing education and professional development.
• A sustainable workload that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Important Benefits Information: Health insurance and healthcare benefits are not included in this position.