Network and Computer Systems Administrators
What is a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?
A Network and Computer Systems Administrator is a professional responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization's computer networks. They manage and oversee the network infrastructure, ensuring that all systems are functioning efficiently and securely. Their work involves configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive data. Additionally, they may be tasked with installing, supporting, and managing servers, desktop computers, and other IT resources. Administrators often serve as a point of contact for technical support and may provide guidance to other staff members on best practices for using technology. Continuous learning is essential in this role, as technology evolves rapidly, necessitating ongoing training and adaptation to new software and systems. Overall, Network and Computer Systems Administrators play a critical role in maintaining reliable network operations, supporting business continuity, and enabling effective communication within an organization.
Tasks
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
- Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Technology Skills
- Web platform development software
- Data base user interface and query software
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Network monitoring software
- Nagios XI
- Foglight Solutions
- Remote monitoring software
- Wireshark
- Development environment software
- Operating system software
Tools Used
- Network analyzers
- Cable accessories
- Hard disk arrays
- Server load balancer
- Punches or nail sets or drifts
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Resolve computer network problems.
- Resolve computer software problems.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$58680.0 - $148710.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.