What does a Jekyll developer do?
A Jekyll developer builds static websites by converting plain text files into complete HTML pages using the Jekyll static site generator. This role focuses on configuring site architecture, writing content with markup languages, and designing layouts that render consistently across all devices. The developer manages the transformation process through Liquid templating and YAML data structures to produce fast, secure web assets without relying on complex database systems.
- Configure site settings and build behavior by editing the _config.yml file to define global variables, permalink structures, and plugin options. This setup controls how Jekyll processes source files and determines the final output structure for deployment to hosting platforms like GitHub Pages.
- Create and maintain reusable layouts and templates using Liquid syntax to inject dynamic content into static HTML shells. The developer writes code in the _layouts directory to ensure headers, footers, and navigation elements appear correctly on every generated page while allowing individual posts to override specific design components.
- Author and organize content by writing Markdown or HTML files with YAML front matter that defines metadata such as titles, dates, and categories. This work involves structuring posts in the _posts directory and managing static assets so the generator can parse and include them during the build process.
- Manage structured data sets by creating YAML, JSON, or CSV files in the _data folder and accessing them through Liquid variables in templates. This approach allows the developer to display lists, tables, or complex information blocks without hardcoding values into individual page files.
- Extend default functionality by developing custom plugins or integrating existing gems to handle tasks like custom generators, filters, or tags. The developer tests these extensions locally using the jekyll serve command to preview changes in real time before running jekyll build to generate the final production-ready static files.
How to hire a Jekyll developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Describe your static site needs in a few sentences and let Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI draft a post for you. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing one to attract qualified candidates.
- Specify requirements for Liquid templating and YAML front matter to control page rendering and metadata across your site structure.
- List necessary plugins or custom generators that extend build behavior beyond standard Jekyll CLI commands like jekyll serve.
- Clarify if the role involves migrating content from another platform or maintaining an existing GitHub Pages integration.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios showing working Jekyll sites with consistent layouts and clean static output. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit.
- Check for examples of custom _layouts and _includes that demonstrate modular template design and reusable components.
- Verify experience managing structured datasets in _data directories and exposing them through Liquid variables for dynamic content.
- Review code samples for proper use of _config.yml settings and front matter defaults to automate page properties.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific workflows for local development and production builds. Schedule interviews within Upwork Messages to get an immediate transcript and summary after each conversation.
- Ask how they troubleshoot build errors when running jekyll build and handling plugin conflicts during site generation.
- Explore their approach to organizing _posts and pages for scalable content management and easy authoring.
- Confirm their familiarity with GitHub Pages deployment pipelines and any required custom domain configurations.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Define deliverables such as updated templates, new posts, or configured site settings. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Set milestones for completing layout updates, testing local previews, and generating final static HTML output.
- Agree on version control practices for committing changes to _layouts, _data, and configuration files.
- Establish a process for reviewing generated site artifacts before publishing to ensure rendering consistency.
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