Job description

The Citizen has a vacancy in its Johannesburg (Industria West) offices for a web developer. The right candidate is a dynamic, creative developer with a passion for excellence and an expert on expanding and maintaining content-rich, frequently updated websites. Must be able to conceptualise and research web-based solutions to business and operational challenges and requirements. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team and report directly to the Creative Director.

Responsibilities

• Develop, enhance and maintain website back-end and front-end
• Take lead together with other Developers and solve problems
• Answers-driven individual with strong deadline driven attitude
• Develop functional and appealing web and mobile applications
• Provide website maintenance and enhancements
• Suggest innovative ways to improve the performance of the website
• Conceptualise digital solutions for editorial and advertisers and, in co-operation with the Digital Editor and Advertising department, ensure proper placement of ad’s and content
• Work with other members of the digital department and service suppliers

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge and experience of PHP, HTML, HTML5, CSS, CSS3 (SASS, LESS), JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX and WordPress core / APIs
• Understanding of the fully synchronous behaviour of PHP
• Knowledge of ESNext/React
• Understanding the asynchronous nature of JS
• Knowledge of functional programming
• Experience writing blocks for the Block Editor
• Knowledge of object-oriented PHP programming
• Understanding accessibility and security compliance
• Strong knowledge of the common PHP or web server exploits and their solutions
• Familiarity with SQL databases and their declarative query languages
• Proficient understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git
• Proficient understanding of build tools such as Webpack
• Experience working with distributed team
• Knowledge and experience of the WordPress (CMS) (writing themes and plugins)
• Version control systems (GIT/Subversion)
• More than 3 to 5 years’ work experience in WordPress and PHP environment:

–       MySQL

–       CSS

–       JavaScript

–       JQuery

• Extensive knowledge and experience in WordPress development
• Knowledge of inbuilt WordPress functions
• Knowledge in crafting WordPress plugins and widgets to conform to WordPress coding standards
• Knowledge in creating child themes and working experience with WordPress premium themes
• Knowledge in creating responsive WordPress themes and themes with parallax effect
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills as needed to mentor team members who are less experienced with WordPress
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent understanding of internet technologies
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Strong initiative, commitment, and a positive, “whatever” it takes attitude

Advantageous

• Knowledge of wire-framing
• AWS knowledge
• Twitter Bootstrap
• Website performance optimisation
• SEO
• Knowledge of Linux hosting environments
• Knowledge of Adobe Programs (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign)
• Mobile App Development
• Basic knowledge of digital advertising and Google Ad manager
• Social media integration

Personal skills/attributes

• Passionate, dedicated, no-nonsense hard worker, self-starter and team player
• Pay meticulous attention to detail and deliver high standards of work
• Must be able to work as part of a team and independently
• Willing to work irregular hours and go the extra mile

Posted on 01 Feb 15:46