Freelance Backend Web Developer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

As a Web Developer III, you will design, develop, and maintain dynamic websites and web applications using PHP frameworks such as WordPress, Symfony, and Laravel, deployed within a scalable, load-balanced cloud environment. Working closely with project managers, designers, and stakeholders, you will handle full-stack development while upholding code quality through testing, documentation, and version control.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Frontend Development: Implementing responsive, visually appealing user interfaces with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Backend Development: Building server-side logic, database interactions, and secure authentication using primarily PHP frameworks — WordPress (custom themes and plugins), Symfony, Laravel and others as needed — with efficient data handling.
• AI-Assisted Development & Automation: Actively using approved AI tools to enhance and optimize development, productivity, code quality, and automation, while adhering to the Ministry's security, privacy, and data-handling standards and applying sound human review to all AI-generated output. Continuously identify opportunities to automate workflows and improve efficiency.
• Collaboration: Working closely with project managers, designers, developers, and stakeholders to understand requirements, manage scope, and deliver on schedule.
• Code Optimization: Writing clean, modular, and maintainable code while adhering to coding standards and best practices to optimize performance and scalability. Code should be written with a load-balanced, horizontally scalable cloud infrastructure in mind.
• Testing, Debugging & Code Review: Conducting thorough testing and debugging to identify and fix issues, ensuring the reliability and stability of web applications. Reviewing code changes for adherence to coding standards and potential bugs, providing constructive feedback that fosters a collaborative, supportive environment.
• Version Control: Using version control systems like Git to manage the codebase, track changes, and collaborate effectively with team members. This includes leveraging Git workflows, GitHub Actions for automation, secrets management for secure credential handling, and pull request rulesets to enforce code quality and review standards.
• Documentation: Documenting code, processes, and project updates to facilitate knowledge sharing, streamline collaboration, and ensure project transparency. Use of project management software for status tracking.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest web development trends, technologies, and best practices to improve skills and continuously contribute innovative solutions to projects.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a minimum of 6 years of proven work experience in a similar or related field.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

• Proficiency in writing well-structured, extensible, object-oriented code adhering to coding guidelines and standards, with minimal need for code review or coaching prior to deployment.
• Ability to provide feedback on technical designs for back-end and front-end development.
• Active, hands-on use of AI tools to enhance and optimize development, with sound judgment around security, privacy, and proper data handling.
• Proficiency in HTML5, CSS, Bootstrap CSS, and JavaScript; familiarity with TypeScript.
• Experience building accessible, standards-compliant interfaces in line with WCAG and ADA accessibility guidelines.
• Proficiency with object-oriented PHP, with Symfony required; Laravel a strong plus.
• WordPress development required, including custom theme and plugin development (not just configuration or page-building).
• Experience with Development/Test/Production environment workflows.
• Proficiency in version control using Git, with a preference for GitHub and an active account.
• Proficiency in creating and utilizing REST APIs and web services, including documenting API endpoints (descriptions, methods, request payloads, and responses) and maintaining Postman collections for testing and validation.
• Experience integrating third-party services and APIs, such as email systems, single sign-on (SSO), CRM, and online giving/donation platforms.
• Familiarity with major database abstraction layers like Doctrine.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Experience with DevOps tooling. The team currently uses Vagrant, Chef, Python, and Fabric, with plans to expand into additional tooling (e.g., Docker, CI/CD pipelines, AWS CodeDeploy, AWS CodePipeline, and CloudFormation); experience with these DevOps practices is a plus.
• Proficiency with scrum methodologies.
• Database design, including backup and restore.
• Familiarity with Java is a plus.
• Familiarity with front-end JavaScript frameworks such as Vue.js is a plus.
• Familiarity with Python for scripting, and some exposure to Django, is a plus.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Mentor team members as needed.
• Proactive engagement in project challenges and problem-solving.
• Communicate regular updates using team communication tools such as Teams, Jira, and Confluence.
• Willing to learn other technologies used by the team

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be proficient in the use of personal computers.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to sit at a computer for a minimum of seven hours per day.
• Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to give, receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.
• Must be very organized and require minimal instruction.
• Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.
• Must be detailed, organized, and communicative.
• Must be task and goal-oriented.
• Requires the ability to multitask.
• Must adapt well to changing work situations.
• Must be able to grasp and apply new ideas.
• Must resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions.
• Must relate and interact with people at all levels.
• Must have a good command of the English language and be able to proofread work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in a normal/typical office environment with minimum supervision.
• Strict adherence to Ministry policies, rules, and regulations in these areas is required.
• A commitment to carry out the Ministry’s policies is required

OTHER:

• Born again believer and must adhere to this organization's doctrines as upheld by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland and their appointed representatives.
• Must work well with others, as a team and according to Romans 16:17, must not cause dissension, difficulties and divisions
• Must maintain a good attendance record