Systems Administrator
A systems administrator is responsible for managing, overseeing and maintaining a company's computer systems, ensuring that the IT infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Systems Administrator
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a motivated and proactive Junior Systems Administrator to join our IT team. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining and improving our computing environments, by offering support for both hardware and software issues. The Junior Systems Administrator will gain valuable hands-on experience and have opportunities for career advancement within our IT department.
Required Skills
- Technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn new software and hardware.
- Basic knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash).
- Customer service oriented with a problem-solving attitude.
- Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality results.
- Proactive and resourceful with a can-do approach.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a related field.
- Understanding of various operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
- Knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, DHCP, DNS, etc.).
- Familiarity with system security (e.g., intrusion detection systems) and data backup/recovery.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic technical problems.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time.
- Willingness to learn new technologies and grow within the IT field.
Responsibilities
- Assist in managing and maintaining the company's IT infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, and networks.
- Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliability and stability.
- Perform regular system backups and recovery procedures to safeguard company data.
- Collaborate with the IT team to implement new systems, technologies, and improve existing processes.
- Help in supporting both on-premise and remote employees with their IT-related issues.
- Coordinate with vendors to resolve technical problems with computing equipment and software.
- Contribute to the creation of IT documentation, such as user manuals and system specifications.
- Assist with the setup and configuration of IT equipment for new employees.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Systems Administrator is responsible for managing, troubleshooting, and ensuring the efficient operation of the company's IT infrastructure. This includes maintaining networks, servers, security systems, and other related hardware and software.
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of virtualization, VMWare, or equivalent
- Strong knowledge of systems and networking software, hardware, and networking protocols
- Experience with scripting and automation tools
- A strong command of security practices, networking technologies, and services
Qualifications
- Proven working experience as a Systems Administrator
- Experience with databases, networks (LAN, WAN) and patch management
- Knowledge of system security (e.g. intrusion detection systems) and data backup/recovery
- Familiarity with various operating systems and platforms
- Resourcefulness and problem-solving aptitude
- Excellent communication skills
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline; professional certification (e.g. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)) is a plus
Responsibilities
- Manage and monitor all installed systems and infrastructure
- Ensure the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability
- Monitor and test application performance for potential bottlenecks, identify possible solutions, and work with developers to implement those fixes
- Maintain security, backup, and redundancy strategies
- Write and maintain custom scripts to increase system efficiency and lower the human intervention time on any tasks
- Participate in the design of information and operational support systems
- Provide 2nd and 3rd level support
- Liaise with vendors and other IT personnel for problem resolution
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring the stable operation of in-house computer systems and network connections. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all network software and communication links. The incumbent will also analyze and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end user training where required.
Required Skills
- Experience with scripting and automation tools.
- Strong understanding of network infrastructure and network hardware.
- Ability to think through problems and visualize solutions.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Dependable and flexible when necessary.
- Networking experience with Firewalls, Switches, Routers, and Servers.
- Hands-on experience with common software and hardware.
- User authentication and authorization experience between multiple systems and servers.
- Experience with cloud services and virtualization technologies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience required.
- 5+ years of network administration, or system administration experience.
- Strong understanding of network infrastructure and network hardware.
- Ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices, including wireless access points, firewall, routers, switches, controllers.
- Knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols.
- Ability to create accurate network diagrams and documentation for design and planning network communication systems.
- Ability to quickly learn new or unfamiliar technology and products using documentation and internet resources.
- A reliable and flexible team player with a keen eye for detail and problem solving skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the installation, configuration, and support of the local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and network segments.
- Ensure system connectivity of all servers, shared software, groupware, and other applications.
- Create and maintain documentation as it relates to system configuration, mapping, processes, and service records.
- Monitor network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
- Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards in support of network procurement and development efforts.
- Implement and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network resource administration, appropriate use, and disaster recovery.
- Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
- Administrate infrastructure, including firewalls, databases, malware protection software and other processes.
- Review and approve installation of hardware and software, and oversee software licensing.
- Manage and/or provide guidance to junior members of the team.
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