Web Developers

Software & Systems Engineering

Level 4429 of 1200 points

Job description

Web Developers

Job purpose

To design, build, test and maintain web sites, web applications, supporting databases and interactive interfaces, and to optimise their performance, scalability and compatibility across browsers and devices, so that the organisation's web presence is reliable, standards-compliant and fit for the needs of its users.

Skills

Working knowledge of authoring and scripting languages, content creation and management tools, digital media, database design for web applications, server-side code and processes, and the industry standards governing valid, properly structured code. Understanding of server hardware and software, HTTP server configuration, site security measures such as firewalls and encryption, and accessibility and privacy requirements. A bachelor's degree is the most common qualification, though fewer than half of incumbents hold one and post-secondary certificates and associate's degrees are each held by a sixth, alongside previous related experience and one or two years of on-the-job training.
Confers with management and development teams to prioritise needs, develop content criteria and choose solutions, and collaborates with users and management on e-commerce strategies and their integration with the sites. Communicates with network personnel and hosting agencies on hardware and software issues affecting the sites. Responds to user enquiries, or sets up automated systems to do so, and writes detailed descriptions of site specifications for technical and non-technical readers.
Analyses user needs to determine technical requirements, and evaluates code to confirm that it is valid, properly structured and compatible with browsers, devices and operating systems. Builds web models and prototypes, and diagnoses problems of server load, bandwidth and database performance. Problems are technical with a testable outcome, but the choice of language, tool and architecture is left substantially to the postholder, and decisions carry consequences for co-workers and company results.
Performs site tests to planned schedules and after each revision, develops procedures for ongoing site revision, and schedules and directs update work. Decides own tasks, priorities and goals to a considerable degree, and delivers under time pressure.
Keyboard and screen work at a workstation, involving prolonged sitting and repeated hand movements in the use of design and development tools. No manual handling or lifting demands.

Responsibilities

No line management. Performs or directs site updates and coordinates others in accomplishing work, and the results of other workers depend on the sites and interfaces provided.
No budget is held. Selects programming languages, design tools and applications, evaluates and recommends server hardware and software, renews domain name registrations, and incorporates budgetary and equipment considerations into site design plans; authority to commit expenditure rests above the role.
Ordinary care of a workstation and development tools, and of the web and HTTP servers, hosting arrangements and server directory trees established for the sites, including their installation and configuration.
Owns site code, content structure and the databases supporting web applications and sites; backs files up to local directories so that a site can be recovered immediately after a failure; and documents test plans, procedures and results. Designs and implements site security measures, monitors security performance logs and notifies security specialists of problems, and takes account of accessibility and privacy obligations.

Effort required

Sustained concentration on exact code, where a structural or syntactic defect makes a site invalid or incompatible, combined with judgement about performance, scalability and the choice of technology. Decisions are frequent and their effects reach co-workers and company results, and the work is done under time pressure.
Accountability for a public-facing service, in a competitive field where technical currency must be maintained through continuing education. Much of the coding, testing and revision work is repetitive in character. The data records no exposure to conflict, hostility or distressing material.
Seated at a workstation for the greater part of the working day, with repeated hand and keyboard movements. No lifting or exertion.

Working conditions

Indoor, environmentally controlled office work, with no exposure to weather, noise, hazardous conditions or equipment, and no protective equipment required. Substantial contact by e-mail, telephone and face-to-face discussion, within a work group and with users and outside agencies.
Three-quarters of incumbents work a regular established schedule, the remainder an irregular one that varies with production or contract demands; the working week exceeds forty hours for most. No shift, rota or on-call obligation appears in the data. Freedom to make decisions and to set own tasks and priorities is wide, exercised within priorities agreed with management and development teams and under time pressure.

Skills

40% · 217 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 4 of 8
72 of 144 points
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work. The job requires a range of thinking and practical knowledge to find solutions to specific problems in the job or study area.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Effective communication and interpersonal relationships. The job holder is required to adapt communication to different audiences and foster trust, cooperation and positive working relationships.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Variable problems. The job involves dealing with different kinds of problems that require careful thinking, research into different options or adjusting existing ways of doing things. Guidance and resources may be limited.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 2 of 5
29 of 72 points
Basic organisational skills required. The job involves planning and organising one's own work within set deadlines. Some input into scheduling and prioritisation of tasks.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 123 points▾

PeopleLevel 1 of 5
29 of 144 points
Very limited. Not required to supervise or perform a caregiving role. The job may involve providing basic guidance to or orientation for others, such as helping new colleagues settle in.
Goods and equipmentLevel 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Limited responsibility for goods or equipment. The job involves the care and proper use of low-value tools or materials, with minimal responsibility for their maintenance or security.
InformationLevel 3 of 5
58 of 96 points
Moderate responsibility for information. The job involves managing information to ensure it is accurate, of high quality and secure. The job holder may make decisions about the handling of sensitive data.
Financial resourcesLevel 1 of 5
19 of 96 points
Very limited responsibility for financial resources. The job involves handling small amounts of cash or processing simple transactions, such as recording expenses or maintaining basic financial records.

Effort

15% · 65 points▾

Mental effortLevel 3 of 5
36 of 60 points
High level of mental effort. The job involves frequent concentration on complex tasks that require considerable mental effort, such as interpreting complex data.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 2 of 5
29 of 72 points
Occasional psychosocial and emotional effort. The job requires occasional involvement in emotionally demanding situations, such as handling minor conflicts or dealing with upset individuals.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 24 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Minimal exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves little or no exposure to physical hazards (e.g. chemicals, moving equipment, noise) and minimal emotional or psychological risks (e.g. occasional routine tasks with no emotional burden). There is minor exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, noise, waste, poor lighting, etc.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.