Webmaster

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Web Designers and Developers (2175) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Web Designers and Developers (C075) 
• 2011 NOC: Web designers and developers (2175) 

A webmaster’s duties vary from one job to another. There can be a lot of overlap with other jobs, such as Web Designer, Web Technician, and Interactive Media Programmer. This profile defines webmasters as managers. They are in charge of their company’s websites.

In general, webmasters:

• make sure websites advance their company’s goals
• make sure websites perform well (this may require balancing graphic appeal against speed requirements and overseeing technical activities)
• promote the website within the company
• educate people about related issues and technology
• create and implement budgets for website development and maintenance
• co-ordinate the work of others as it relates to the website (such as web designers and technicians)
• select server or desktop environments and web development tools
• set standards and procedures for designing and producing site additions
• generate and track site statistics
• co-ordinate and integrate the website with social media accounts
• work with the marketing team to ensure keywords are used (for search engine optimization or SEO)
• ensure web constructs are set up for SEO
• work with the marketing team to integrate Google analytics, Google for business, Google maps, and similar features into the website
• work with third-party software vendors to resolve issues.

In large companies, webmasters may work with a team (including information specialists and representatives from various parts of the company). They may liaise between departments. In some companies, they also develop and maintain an intranet site (an internal network similar to the internet but accessible only to company personnel).

In small companies, webmasters may do everything. This includes initial design and coding as well as watching site traffic and performance.

Webmasters often work standard weekday hours in offices or from home. They may have to work evenings or weekends (when doing website installation and maintenance activities).

The work can be stressful when:

• there are technical problems
• staff do not agree on the site’s purpose, design, and content
• staff expect the system to be more reliable than possible
• staff expect updating to happen faster or more often than possible
• third parties (who provide tools to build and manage the website) are difficult to reach for support.

Hazards include eye strain (from spending long hours looking at a computer screen) and injuries from repeated movements.

Webmasters need to possess:

• writing and speaking skills
• the ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• leadership and teamwork skills
• attention to detail
• the ability to be organized
• the ability to manage time well
• a keen interest in keeping up to date with changes in technology
• the ability to foresee change
• the ability to make decisions when the future is uncertain
• patience and confidence
• the ability to convey complex concepts in a way people understand
• the ability to translate abstract or high-level concepts into workable feedback
• the ability to work calmly with irritated clients.

They should enjoy:

•  co-ordinating information
•  negotiating with people
•  finding creative solutions.

Webmasters may work as employees or on a contract basis. They may work at:

• wholesale or retail companies
• large companies
• government departments
• industrial firms
• consulting firms
• post-secondary schools
• not-for-profits.

This is a management position that requires related experience. Prospects for advancement vary. Key factors include 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the C075: Web Designers and Developers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca

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

Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.