Webmaster

Duties and responsibilities vary considerably from one job to another in this occupation and there is considerable overlap with occupations such as Web Designer, Web Technician and Interactive Media Programmer. For the purposes of this profile, webmasters are defined as managers who are responsible for their organizations' websites.

In general, webmasters:

• ensure that websites advance their organizations' goals
• ensure optimum site performance on an ongoing basis (this often requires balancing graphic appeal against access speed requirements as well as overseeing technical activities)
• promote the website within the organization and educate people about related issues and technology
• develop and implement budgets for website development and maintenance
• co-ordinate the work of people who do website related work (for example, web designers, web technicians)
• select server or desktop environments and web development tools
• set standards and procedures regarding the design and production of additions to the site
• use software to generate and track site access statistics.

In large organizations, webmasters may work with a team of information specialists or a committee of representatives from various parts of the organization. In some organizations, webmasters also are responsible for developing and maintaining an intranet (an internal network similar to the Internet but accessible only to personnel within the organization).

In small organizations, webmasters may be personally responsible for everything from the initial design of the website to coding documents and monitoring site traffic and performance.

Webmasters generally work standard weekday hours in an office environment or from home. Evening and weekend work may be required for website installation and maintenance activities.

The work can be stressful when:

• there are technical problems with websites or intranets
• personnel from different parts of the organization have conflicting ideas about the purpose, design and content of the site or intranet
• people have unrealistic expectations regarding system reliability or the frequency or speed of information updating.

Occupational hazards include eyestrain from spending long hours looking at a computer screen and repetitive movement injuries.

Webmasters need the following characteristics:

• the ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• the ability to lead and work effectively as part of a team
• the ability to pay careful attention to details
• excellent organizational skills
• an interest in keeping up to date with rapidly changing technology
• the ability to anticipate change and make decisions in an uncertain environment.

They should enjoy co-ordinating information, negotiating with people and developing innovative solutions to problems.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Webmasters may be employed by or work on a contract basis for organizations of all types including:

• wholesale or retail businesses
• large corporations
• government departments
• industrial establishments
• consulting firms
• post-secondary institutions
• not-for-profit organizations.

Webmaster is a management level position requiring previous related experience. Opportunities for further advancement depend on the nature of the organization and the webmaster's qualifications.

Webmasters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2175: Web designers and developers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)
• Educational Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 1,500 Albertans are employed in the Web designers and developers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 20 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As webmasters form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for webmasters.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

Technology Alberta website: www.albertaict.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.