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Network Administrator Job Description

1. Nature of work

Who is a Network administrator and what does he do?

A network administrator is someone who is responsible for the maintenance of both computer software and hardware which comprise a functional computer network. These duties encompass the deployment, configuration, monitoring and maintenance of active network equipment.

Network administrators are commonly part of the technical support staff in the company and will rarely ever interact with direct users. Their main concerns are the overall integrity of the network, its security, connectivity and deployment and ensuring it is on par with the technical needs and considerations of the organization in question. They are often also involved in not just maintaining or fixing network related problems, but also in its design, creation and deployment.

Their roles vary depending on the specific company, but the staple role of network facilities’ maintenance is always present. They can also be hired to administer and maintain servers, printers, desktop computers, firewalls, smart phones, security updates, patches and phones.

Being a network administrator is commonly considered to be on the top of the chain within the technical support department.

Tasks:

Relational activities:

• Ensuring proper maintenance of all hardware and software.
• Ensuring proper maintenance of network infrastructure,
• Purchasing and upgrading hardware and software.
• Ensuring that all data is backed up on a regular basis.
• Ensuring that all licenses for various programs are paid for as well as being up-to-date.
• Actively monitoring the overall performance of the network.
• Constantly checking for any security breaches and/or poor data management practices by any employee.
• Ensuring that connectivity is abundant and present for all employees within the organization.
• Ensuring data security is in place and un-breached.

Administrative activities:

• Monitoring PC analysis and other technicians who are below them in rank.
• Being Tier 3 technical staff, they are the last line of workers to be called in case of technically trouble in case of the failure of both Tier 1 (help desk) and Tier 2 (technicians and PC support).

2. Education Qualification

Educational requirements and skills for network administrator

Education / Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent, ensuring basic writing, reading and arithmetic skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (I.T.)  or Computer Science (Optional)
• A solid background in subjects such as computer science and math.
• Wide knowledge regarding various types of computer networking systems and various languages and coding systems which encompass Microsoft, VMS, UNIX and Novell among many other networks.
• Having a CAN certification by attending the Novell training courses offered for their software. (Optional)
• Functional and up-to-date knowledge about existing computer software and hardware.
• Knowledge of network systems, network security, applications, techniques and procedures.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in previous employments in similar fields.

Skills:

• The ability to resolve any computer software or hardware malfunctions.
• The ability to identify possible security breaches to the network.
• The ability to identify any existing problems or malfunctions within the system.
• Having logical thinking skills.
• Having good organizational skills.
• The ability to work and function under pressure.
• The ability to meet deadlines when they are required.
• The ability to translate complex computer terminology and communicate them to people with no technical knowledge.
• The ability to maintain an accurate record of all licensed software in order to ensure payments for such services is being met on time.
• The ability to constantly learn about new systems and become experts at supporting them.
• The ability to provide on-the-spot technical training to any users facing difficulty.
• Having interpersonal skills in communicating both with other technical staff and with users.
• Having a flexible stance regarding weekend and evening work, especially in cases of emergency.

3. Career Growth

Future prospects of a network administrator