Backend Web Developer
Think of the world’s most talented creative thinkers. Problem-solvers. Strategists. At Strategic America, we don’t bring on anything less. The way we see it, if you’re going to make the best work of your life, you may as well do it with people you like.
At SA, we’ve always been passionate about our employees. Since 2021, we’re also employee owned with participation in an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership ensures SA remains independent and allows our talented team members to share in the company’s success. With each year of employment, SAers build equity in the company, becoming fully vested after six years.
Our employee-led, leadership-supported ERGs celebrate the diversity of our team, foster inclusivity and belonging, and create a space to connect to each other. Through connections and understanding, we build a stronger and more dynamic team and help every person reach their personal peak.
About SA – The Company
When you join SA, you join a strategic team (yes, it’s in our name!) who is also wired for action. Authenticity is our focus, and every day we help our clients propel their potential. If you’re ready for a fast-paced environment that challenges you, supports you, and rewards you, then look no further. Our clients rely on us and we rely on each other to go the extra mile, to hold ourselves accountable because we’re better together and we know we can always find the better way.
We're proud to be a member of a thriving community. Forbes recently named Des Moines the No. 1 place for young professionals to live. This is based on affordable monthly rent costs, low unemployment, the opportunity to find work quickly and access to vibrant attractions and events. The Census Bureau noted the city is now the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest, with a population nearing one million residents. While we call the Des Moines metro our home, we are proud to have an established remote workforce that spans across the United States.
Recently named a Best-In-Class Employer, SA was recognized for its comprehensive framework for strategically investing in benefits, compensation and employee communication to support the health, financial security and career growth of its employees at a sustainable cost structure.
About The Role
We strive to create meaning in work and provide more than just a job; a place to belong and grow. As we leap toward our goals that will shape our future, our employee experience is unique. Flexibility, connection, inclusiveness, and collaboration support our well-being and help us be our best. Because when you feel like you belong, work is no longer work – it's personal. We believe better employees lead to better results.
Join us as we transform your career!
As a Backend Web Developer, you will...
- Develop new software solutions and maintain existing WordPress sites
- Create reusable code and libraries to simplify future developments
- Troubleshoot and debug applications
- Collaborate with in-house digital team to gather and understand project specifications and requirements
- Collaborate with QA to ensure high-quality output and execute bug fixes
- Develop high quality solutions that meet expectations described in requirements and design documentation
- Create, review and update technical documentation
- Must have a focus on security and best practices
- Actively participate and contribute ideas that help continuously drive improvement in architecture, process and culture
Qualifications (Include Education and Experience):
Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of PHP and Linux Server Environments
- Linux Command Line & bash scripting experience
- Firm and demonstrable understanding of front-end technologies, including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery
- Experience building user interfaces for websites and/or web applications
- Comfortable working with debugging tools like Firebug, Chrome inspector, etc.
- Ability to convert comprehensive layout and wireframes into working HTML pages and WordPress templates
- Knowledge of how to interact with RESTful APIs and formats (JSON, XML)
- Proficient understanding of code versioning tools such as Git, SVN, and Mercurial
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues, providing diagnostic and analytical support
- Conducts performance analysis and recommends improvements
- Ensure work complies with policy and standards
Skills
- At least 5 years of
- Seeking enterprise and local-level development experience
- .Net, Cloud hosting / management, Vagrant/Docker experience are a plus
- Knowledge of U.S. ADA accessibility standards and capable of developing compliant WP websites
- Ability to understand business requirements and the non-technical reasoning behind a decisions or position, and present a clear, rational argument in favor of a proposed solution
- Advanced troubleshooting and debugging skills
- Ability to communicate technical solutions clearly and effectively to non-technical people
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- Self-starter that is capable of working independently with outstanding time management skills
Education – Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Systems, Computer Science, related field, or equivalent industry work experience
Experience – 5+ years demonstrable WordPress development experience
Certifications, Licenses, Associations, etc. – N/A
Physical – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel – Minimal travel required.
We are considering local candidates who will work a hybrid schedule, as well full-time remote candidates outside of Iowa.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity
We are proud to be one of only 14 agencies nationwide, and the first in the Midwest, to earn the 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment Certification®, and we couldn’t have done it without our associates, who participated in digital learning sessions on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, disabilities, and faith. At SA, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where people of every background can thrive and feel welcome. Learn more about our commitments here.
Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Because we are fully committed to our culture of diversity and inclusion, one that reflects the clients we serve and communities we work in, if you’re excited about this role but your qualifications don’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.