Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

Also Known As: Information Technology Director (IT Director), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Manager, Network Specialist, Systems Administrator, Systems Engineer

Daily Tasks / Activities

Network and Computer Systems Administrators execute the duties listed below as part of their core work
1. Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
2. Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
3. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
4. Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
5. Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
6. Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
7. Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
8. Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
9. Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.
10. Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.

Key Knowledge Areas

Network and Computer Systems Administrators need to be very knowledgable in these key areas

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Telecommunication — Knowledge of how networks works and how they can be used to rely information is paramount

Important Qualities / Top Skills

Some of the skills / qualities that are essential in thriving in that role

Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.