Independent Contractor Web Developer Jobs in Texas

About @Orchard:

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

Position Summary:

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Senior Web Developer to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Ocean Exploration.

The Senior Web Developer provides technical leadership for the development, modernization, maintenance, and continuous improvement of NOAA Ocean Exploration public-facing digital platforms. Working at the intersection of web development, platform management, digital experience, and scientific communication, this position ensures that NOAA Ocean Exploration's websites reliably deliver engaging, accessible, and high-quality scientific content, data, imagery, video, and interactive experiences to audiences worldwide.

The successful candidate will lead and coordinate complex web development initiatives, evaluate and implement technology improvements, troubleshoot technical issues, and collaborate with scientists, writers and editors, communications professionals, GIS specialists, multimedia contributors, and program staff. This role requires the ability to translate program and user needs into effective technical solutions while maintaining the performance, usability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of NOAA Ocean Exploration digital presence.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Mission Impact:

NOAA Ocean Exploration website is a primary gateway through which the public, educators, scientists, and other stakeholders experience ocean exploration. The Senior Web Developer helps transform scientific discoveries, expedition data, imagery, video, and educational resources into reliable and engaging digital experiences that extend the reach and impact of NOAA's exploration mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Web Platform Leadership & Development

• Lead the design, development, modernization, and maintenance of public-facing websites supporting NOAA Ocean Exploration programs.
• Provide technical leadership for website architecture, platform improvements, development standards, and implementation strategies.
• Evaluate existing web platforms and recommend enhancements that improve performance, maintainability, scalability, and user experience.
• Lead or support website migrations, platform upgrades, software updates, and implementation of new web technologies.
• Develop, maintain, and improve reusable web components, templates, and functionality.
• Coordinate technical implementation of website enhancements from planning and development through testing and deployment.
• Establish and maintain development and maintenance practices that support reliable long-term website operations.

Digital Experience & Scientific Content

• Develop web experiences that effectively present complex scientific information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Integrate scientific content, imagery, video, data products, maps, graphics, and interactive features into public-facing web platforms.
• Collaborate with science writers, editors, scientists, GIS specialists, and communications professionals to ensure content is accurately and effectively presented.
• Evaluate website navigation, information architecture, content presentation, functionality, and overall user experience.
• Recommend and implement improvements that enhance accessibility, usability, engagement, and public understanding of ocean exploration.
• Support development of digital experiences that showcase expeditions, scientific discoveries, educational resources, and exploration data.

Technical Quality & Platform Operations

• Lead or perform testing of website functionality, software updates, integrations, multimedia components, and new features before deployment.
• Troubleshoot complex websites, platform, and integration issues and coordinate resolution as needed.
• Conduct website and URL reviews to identify broken links, functionality issues, content problems, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor website performance and identify technical issues or opportunities for optimization.
• Maintain documentation of system architecture, technical processes, configuration changes, and maintenance activities.
• Support timely software corrections, security updates, platform maintenance, and enhancements.
• Assist with urgent technical issues affecting public-facing web capabilities, including occasional work outside normal business hours when required.

Technical Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as a senior technical resource for web development activities supporting NOAA Ocean Exploration.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to web developers, communications personnel, and other project team members.
• Translate program requirements, scientific objectives, and user needs into practical web development solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan and prioritize web development activities.
• Participate in technical reviews, project planning, design discussions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Evaluate emerging web technologies and recommend approaches that improve NOAA Ocean Exploration's digital capabilities.
• Support knowledge sharing, technical documentation, and continuity of web development practices across the team.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Information Technology, Digital Media, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated professional experience developing, maintaining, and improving public-facing websites.
• Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, or other common web development technologies.
• Experience with WordPress or comparable enterprise content management systems.
• Experience with modern web development technologies and content management systems.
• Experience leading or supporting complex website development, modernization, migration, or platform improvement initiatives.
• Experience integrating multimedia, graphics, video, data, or interactive content into websites.
• Strong knowledge of responsive web design, usability, accessibility, and cross-browser compatibility.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex website functionality and implementing technical updates.
• Experience with web accessibility and Section 508 compliance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical, scientific, communications, and program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support meetings, workshops, planning sessions, training activities, or other program requirements consistent with contract needs.
•  Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of Commerce / NOAA federal background investigation and suitability determination and be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting NOAA, other federal agencies, academic institutions, scientific organizations, or mission-driven public-sector programs.
• Experience leading website migrations or modernization initiatives.
• Experience developing or maintaining high-traffic public-facing websites.
• Experience with website analytics, performance optimization, search optimization, or digital engagement.
• Experience working with scientific, environmental, oceanographic, or educational content.
• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, or coordination for other web professionals.

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position depends on the candidate's qualifications, relevant scientific experience, education, and overall experience supporting similar federal programs.

What We Offer:

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.

If you are a technically accomplished web professional with a passion for digital innovation, scientific communication, and building web experiences that bring ocean exploration to the world, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of NOAA's digital presence.

@Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com.