Volunteer Role
Keeping TXGenWeb Online and Up to Date
The Webmaster helps maintain TXGenWeb's statewide websites, hosting, domains, and technical resources so visitors and volunteers can reliably access the project.
About the Role
The Webmaster may manage the technical duties that otherwise fall to the State Coordinator. Because some sections of the site are maintained by other volunteers, the Webmaster should coordinate changes carefully and respect those areas of responsibility.
A working knowledge of HTML, CSS, SSI, and cPanel is important for this position.
Manage Hosting and Domains
The Webmaster should stay aware of hosting changes, renewal dates, and anything that could affect the availability of TXGenWeb's websites.
- Monitor the project's hosting arrangements and domain registrations.
- Give the State Coordinator advance notice when renewal funds will be needed.
- Help ensure that the sites do not go offline because of a missed payment or renewal.
The Webmaster is not personally responsible for paying TXGenWeb's expenses. The role is to keep track of what is due and communicate early enough for the project to arrange payment.
Use the Hosting Control Panel
The Webmaster should be comfortable working with the hosting control panel and other administrative tools used to manage the project's websites.
This includes understanding how site files, domains, access credentials, and other hosting functions are managed.
Maintain Reliable Backups
TXGenWeb's websites should be backed up regularly so the project can recover from technical problems, accidental changes, or hosting issues.
Keep the State Site Current
The Webmaster helps make sure the statewide site remains accurate and usable.
- Check the site periodically for broken links.
- Keep county website links current.
- Update County Coordinator names and related information when changes are reported.
- Work with other TXGenWeb volunteers when updates affect pages they manage.
Working Together
A Shared Responsibility
The Webmaster has broad technical access, but TXGenWeb's website is a collaborative project. Good communication with the State Coordinator and volunteers who manage individual sections helps keep everything accurate and organized.