Network and Computer Systems Administrators

What does a professional in this career do?

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

In this job you will...

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.
Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
Train people in computer system use.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.
Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system.
Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.