Freelance Junior Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
Digital Elements, LLC is seeking a Junior Web Developer to support their Web Development Department. The role involves executing foundational website maintenance, development, optimization, and QA tasks, primarily focused on WordPress maintenance and front-end edits, while providing opportunities for skill growth in an agency environment.
Responsibilities:
• Perform routine WordPress plugin, theme, and core updates
• Review websites after updates to identify layout, functionality, or performance issues
• Understand standard WordPress template hierarchy, child themes, and basic database backups/migrations using staging environments
• Assist with troubleshooting WordPress issues related to plugins, themes, PHP errors, and configuration conflicts
• Follow internal SOPs for updates, backups, staging, QA, and escalation
• Make basic page edits using HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript
• Update website content, layouts, images, buttons, links, forms, and other page elements
• Assist with responsive adjustments across desktop, tablet, and mobile views
• Implement minor design and layout changes based on direction from senior team members
• Ensure edits are clean, functional, and consistent with existing website structure
• Perform basic website speed optimization tasks using established SOPs
• Assist with image compression, caching checks, plugin review, and performance cleanup
• Use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, GTmetrix, or similar platforms to identify issues
• Document optimization work and flag more complex performance concerns for senior developers
• Support ongoing improvements to page load speed and user experience
• Conduct basic website security audits and site health checks
• Identify outdated plugins, vulnerable components, unusual admin users, SSL issues, and site warnings
• Assist with backup checks and update-readiness reviews
• Perform QA after updates, security changes, and website fixes
• Escalate higher-risk security or technical issues to senior developers
• Work within hosting environments, preferably WPEngine
• Assist with staging-to-production workflows, backups, cache clearing, and environment checks
• Support basic Cloudflare-related tasks such as cache clearing, DNS review, SSL checks, and CDN troubleshooting
• Help with redirects, broken links, form testing, and basic launch support
• Coordinate with internal team members to ensure technical requests are completed accurately
• Assist senior developers with new website builds as skills grow
• Help build pages from approved designs using WordPress tools, templates, or page builders
• Support theme customization and child theme updates when appropriate
• Participate in QA, launch preparation, and post-launch fixes
• Gradually take on larger development tasks with guidance from senior team members
Qualifications:
Required:
• Hands-on Experience Working With WordPress
• Understanding of standard WordPress template hierarchy, child themes, and staging environments
• Basic experience with database backups and migrations
• Basic working knowledge of PHP
• Proficiency with HTML and CSS
• Basic JavaScript knowledge
• Ability to make basic website edits and troubleshoot common WordPress issues
• Comfort working inside WordPress admin dashboards and page-building tools
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs
• Clear written communication skills
• Ability to document work, issues, and completed tasks clearly
• Willingness to learn agency workflows and receive feedback
Preferred:
• Experience With WPEngine
• Experience with Cloudflare
• Familiarity with WordPress page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, WPBakery, Divi, or Gutenberg blocks
• Experience using website speed tools such as: Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, GTmetrix, WebPageTest
• Basic understanding of: Website caching, Image optimization, Redirects, SSL certificates, DNS basics, Responsive design, Accessibility basics, SEO fundamentals, Google Analytics — GA4, Google Tag Manager — GTM
• Exposure to Git or version control
• Experience working on multiple websites or client accounts
• Prior experience in an agency, freelance, or digital marketing environment
Company:
We offer a full suite of marketing services, from marketing strategy development to implementation and ongoing optimization to call center audits and build outs. Founded in 2024, the company is headquartered in aston, Pennsylvania, US, , with a team of 2-10 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.