Network and Computer Systems Administrators

What this job is

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.

What they do day to day

• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• 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.
• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
• Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
• Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.

Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

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