Freelance Backend Web Developer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Are you a talented web developer who thrives on creating exceptional digital experiences? Indian River State College is looking for a Web Developer to help shape and enhance the online presence of one of Florida's leading state colleges.
In this role, you'll combine your expertise in WordPress development, front-end design, back-end programming, and web technologies to create secure, accessible, and high-performing websites that serve thousands of students, employees, and community members. From developing custom themes and plugins to integrating APIs and optimizing site performance, you'll play a key role in advancing The River's digital strategy.
We're looking for someone who is passionate about clean code, user experience, accessibility, and continuous innovation. If you enjoy collaborating with designers, marketers, content creators, and technical teams to bring ideas to life, we'd love to meet you.
About Us
Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida's Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region.
At The River, we believe every student's and every employee's story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring.
With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.
Why Join The River
When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day.
What We Offer
We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage
• Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts
• Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways

JOB SUMMARY:
Under general direction, this position supports and enhances Indian River State College's (The River) primary website and related digital platforms through front-end and back-end web development, platform administration, and technical implementation. Designs, develops, maintains, and improves IRSC.edu and associated web applications to deliver accessible, user-focused, and high-performing digital experiences. Converts approved UI/UX designs into responsive, standards-compliant websites and develops custom WordPress themes, plugins, and integrations. Oversees code deployment, hosting support, platform administration, and the implementation of modern web technologies and APIs to expand functionality. Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure web solutions align with IRSC's communications, marketing, and business objectives while maximizing the effectiveness, performance, security, and scalability of the College's web technologies
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Front-End Development

• Translate design mockups and wireframes into semantic, responsive, and cross-browser compatible web pages using HTML5, CSS3/SASS, and JavaScript.
• Ensure all front-end code strictly adheres to modern accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA) and mobile-first design principles.
• Maintain visual consistency across the college's web ecosystem, ensuring pixel-perfect alignment with IRSC brand standards.

Back-End & WordPress Development

• Develop, test, and maintain custom WordPress plugins and themes from scratch using PHP.
• Integrate internal and third-party APIs (e.g., student systems, CRM platforms, event calendars) to display dynamic data securely on the site.
• Optimize database queries and server-side code to ensure fast page load speeds and high performance.

DevOps & Site Architecture

• Manage the irsc.edu, and other properties, code repository, and deployment workflows across Pantheon's Multidev, Dev, Test, and Live environments.
• Use Git version control to manage code collaboration, branching, and merging seamlessly.
• Run routine technical updates, troubleshoot plugin conflicts, and ensure security patches are applied without downtime.

Content Management & Performance Analysis

• Assist in the ongoing management of site content and update requests in conjunction with the Web Manager
• Use analytics, usability, best practices, feedback, and institutional priorities to make informed content and publishing decisions. Create or remove pages based on strategy, institutional needs, or Content Editors' input. Address non-compliance issues through guidance, consulting, or, if necessary, revocation of access or reassignment to training.
• Guide on budget or resource needs to sustain user-driven websites and microsites, including developing third-party integrations.

• Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Required :

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of three (3) years of related web development experience
• Proficiency in HTML5, CSS3 (including modern layouts like Flexbox/Grid), JavaScript (ES6+), and PHP.
• Deep understanding of the WordPress core, the template hierarchy, hooks, filters, and custom post types.
• Strong experience using Git for source control and collaboration.
• Working knowledge and experience of DNS configurations and domain management
• Experience with web design principles, UX, and UI design to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites
• Knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) principles and AI aggregation techniques to optimize content for search engines and drive organic traffic.
• Proficiency in using web analytics tools, like Google Analytics, to track content performance, analyze user engagement, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong project management skills to coordinate projects and manage timelines, resources, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• A sharp eye for details and commitment to quality.
• Ability Work collaboratively and communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences, including designers, content creators, copywriters, and department heads).

Preferred Experience

• Pantheon Hosting: Familiarity with Pantheon workflows, Terminus CLI, and managing upstream updates.
• API Integration: Proven experience consuming RESTful API endpoints.
• Higher Education / Accessibility: Experience working within an institutional setting or designing for ADA/Section 508 web compliance.`

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as sedentary work involving lifting items above more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools above twenty-five (25) pounds. Although a sedentary job is defined as one that involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met. Indian River State College expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the skills or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, be able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.
Classification
Staff
Supervisory
No
FLSA Exempt
Yes
Employment Type
Regular
Compensation and Application Deadline
The pay rate for this position starts at $59,742.89 | All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on the candidate's education and experience. | Open until filled.