System Administrator job description

A System Administrator is a professional who plays an integral role in maintaining

organizational policies to ensure the integrity of their network and computer systems.

System Administrator responsibilities include:

 Installing and configuring software, hardware and networks
 Monitoring system performance and troubleshooting issues
 Ensuring security and efficiency of IT infrastructure

Job brief
We are looking for a System Administrator to maintain, upgrade and manage our software,
hardware and networks.

Resourcefulness is a necessary skill in this role. You should be able to diagnose and resolve
problems quickly. You should also have the patience to communicate with a variety of
interdisciplinary teams and users.

Your goal will be to ensure that our technology infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities
 Install and configure software and hardware
 Manage network servers and technology tools
 Set up accounts and workstations
 Monitor performance and maintain systems according to requirements
  Troubleshoot issues and outages
 Ensure security through access controls, backups and firewalls
 Upgrade systems with new releases and models
 Develop expertise to train staff on new technologies
 Build an internal wiki with technical documentation, manuals and IT policies

Requirements and skills

 Proven experience as a System Administrator, Network Administrator or similar role
 Experience with databases, networks (LAN, WAN) and patch management
 Knowledge of system security (e.g. intrusion detection systems) and data
backup/recovery
 Ability to create scripts in Python, Perl or other language
 Familiarity with various operating systems and platforms
 Resourcefulness and problem-solving aptitude
 Excellent communication skills
 BSc/Ba in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline;
professional certification (e.g. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)) is a
plus

Frequently asked questions about System Administrators

What is the difference between a System Administrator and a Network
Administrator?

Some employers use the titles “System Administrator” and “Network Administrator”
interchangeably, but there are a few differences that separate these roles from one another. For
example, System Administrators focus on making sure a corporation’s computer systems have
the correct software and updates to store important data, protect against security breaches and
retrieve lost data.

In contrast, Network Administrators focus on making sure computer systems have fast WiFi and
limited disruptions that cause it to slow or stop working altogether. Network Administrators are
also more likely to work with and install physical equipment the routers.

What are the daily duties of a System Administrator?

On a typical day, a System Administrator starts by checking company computer systems to make
sure they’re secure and working correctly. They check their email and voicemail to see if they
have any service requests from company employees and schedule times for themselves or other
IT personnel to assist employees with computer issues.
Throughout the day, System Administrators participate in meetings with the IT department and
upper management staff to discuss upcoming changes to the system or recurring complaints from
employees. They also spend time reviewing the department budget and researching beneficial
software to incorporate into computer systems.

What qualities make a good System Administrator?

A good System Administrator has excellent interpersonal communication. This quality enables
them to adjust their communication strategies depending on whether they’re speaking to an
experienced IT professional or a company employee with a limited understanding. They value
continued education and use their spare time to enhance their programming abilities. They also
stay up-to-date on new software and beneficial technologies that could help streamline company
systems.

Further, a good System Administrator is attentive to details, which helps them catch system
errors and potential security risks. A good System Administrator also has an innovative mindset
that motivates them to develop unique ideas for their computer systems.

System Administrator experience requirements

An ideal System Administrator candidate will have experience with databases, networks,
upgrading hardware and software, designing networks, laying out the infrastructure for LANs,
troubleshooting network outages and user troubles and the ability to communicate clearly. They
will also be up-to-date on the latest security protocols for the LAN and wide area network
(WAN) and be able to educate users on how to handle suspicious emails and requests for
sensitive information. A candidate for the role should also be able to program scripts to run
internal functions and have sufficient Unix knowledge.

System Administrator education and training requirements

Education requirements for a System Administrator vary because it’s a role that can be filled by
people who have knowledge either through education or actual work experience with operating
and monitoring local area networks. An ideal candidate could have an associate or bachelor’s
degree in computer science, but someone with multiple certifications can be just as capable of
fulfilling the job duties. Certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE),
CompTIA Server+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator, Red Hat Certified Engineer and
VMware Certified Professional

System Administrator skills and qualifications

A qualified candidate will have skills and qualifications that demonstrate the fact that they are
capable of executing their job duties and fulfilling the various functions of their role. Some of the
skills and qualifications of a System Administrator include:
 Ability to solve problems in stressful situations
 Strong attention to detail
 Communication skills
 Ability to explain technical concepts to inexperienced users
 Time management skills

What does a System Administrator do?

System Administrators typically work for corporations across industries to ensure that employees
have secure and efficient computer systems to fulfill their daily job responsibilities. They work
closely with IT personnel and company employees to update systems, address security breaches
and help troubleshoot issues. Their job is to plan for problematic situations and create procedures
to restore computer systems and their functionality. They may also be responsible for coding
systems or updating programs by altering code strings if necessary.

System Administrator skills and qualifications

A qualified candidate will have skills and qualifications that demonstrate the fact that they are
capable of executing their job duties and fulfilling the various functions of their role. Some of the
skills and qualifications of a System Administrator include:

 Ability to solve problems in stressful situations

 Strong attention to detail
 Communication skills
 Ability to explain technical concepts to inexperienced users
 Time management skills

System Administrator salary expectations

The average annual salary for a System Administrator is $83,579 per year. Actual pay for a
System Administrator depends on the experience and educational background of the candidate.

System Administrator education and training requirements

Education requirements for a System Administrator vary because it’s a role that can be filled by
people who have knowledge either through education or actual work experience with operating
and monitoring local area networks. An ideal candidate could have an associate or bachelor’s
degree in computer science, but someone with multiple certifications can be just as capable of
fulfilling the job duties. Certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE),
CompTIA Server+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator, Red Hat Certified Engineer and
VMware Certified Professional.
System Administrator experience requirements
An ideal System Administrator candidate will have experience with databases, networks,
upgrading hardware and software, designing networks, laying out the infrastructure for LANs,
troubleshooting network outages and user troubles and the ability to communicate clearly. They
will also be up-to-date on the latest security protocols for the LAN and wide area network
(WAN) and be able to educate users on how to handle suspicious emails and requests for
sensitive information. A candidate for the role should also be able to program scripts to run
internal functions and have sufficient Unix knowledge.

System Administrator duties and responsibilities

System Administrators identify any problems in the system, anticipate potential issues and repair
systems and software when necessary. Other duties and responsibilities may include:

 Setting up new users and giving them access to the intranet

 Managing and maintaining the file servers
 Operating the firewall for the organization
 Monitoring the internet connection for security risks
 Employing the latest security protocols
 Monitoring the local area network (LAN) for threats or errors