As more companies have become reliant on computers and technology, the demand for skilled network administrators has grown. If you need one for your company, then you want to hire somebody who has a thorough understanding of computers and is able to troubleshoot the more common issues that arise. You do not want to hire someone who is just going to Google it every time a problem comes up. There are numerous ways to get your job opening out to the general public with online forums being the most popular in this day and age. In order for the most experienced and talented individuals to find your listing, you are going to need a solid description. For some pointers, read this network administrator sample job description so that you have a sense of what direction to take your own.
Network Administrator Job Summary
As the network administrator, you will need to monitor the company’s network performance, troubleshoot issues, recommend upgrades and identify network requirements. A comprehensive knowledge of network management is a necessity, and you will provide support to everyone in the organization so that the systems run smoothly.
Network Administrator Job Responsibilities and Duties
- Establish specifications for the network and design the router administration, including routing protocols and interface configuration
- Maintain the performance of the network by troubleshooting problem areas and analyzing the network to see if any upgrades can be installed
- Ensure all information related to the company remains confidential, which includes ensuring our network’s security is always protected
- Prepare and lead training programs so that other people within the company can update their own knowledge concerning network requirements
- Upgrade the network routinely by doing research into the latest programs and conferring with vendors to see what programs the company can get
- Be willing to take on additional, network-related responsibilities as they arise
Network Administrator Skills and Qualifications
- B.S. in computer science, engineering or related field
- Two to four years of experience working on a company’s network
- Advanced knowledge of various software
- Superb written and oral communication skills
- Tech support skills
- Able to troubleshoot issues effectively
- Thorough knowledge of the technology related to data processing
Company Profile
Since 1934, The Lowery Foundation has been a premiere non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring low-income communities have access to medical care. We put on numerous events every month within the Seattle area, and we need a network administrator to ensure we never have to slow down. We’re planning to expand quite a bit in the coming years, so there are numerous opportunities for growth within our company for the right individuals.
Writing a Job Description Best Practices
- Whether your own description is going to be incredibly similar or vastly different to this network administrator sample job description, there is still more to be done. Make sure you read and reread your description before posting it anywhere to make sure the following rules are abided by.
- Do use bullet points. As you can see in this sample, bulleted lists are used to organize the information for responsibilities and skills. It is much easier for applicants to read through your description this way, and it looks better.
- Do use clear, straightforward language. Be direct as opposed to vague. For example, you would not want to say something like, “You may be responsible for this.” Instead, you would want to say, “You will do this.”
- Do not use a tone that is excessively bland. You want your description to stand out, and that means using a tone that is friendly and inviting. It also means trying to capture your company’s personality if you have one. Even if your organization tends to be all business, you should be uplifting.
- Do optimize your job description for search engines. That means using keywords job hunters are likely to look for and creating a unique, memorable URL.
- Do include the location of your business within the description. It is a hassle to read through someone’s application only to discover that the person lives in a completely different state. You can give the exact address if you want, but at the very least, you should have the city and state.
An excellent job description is not going to be something you crank out in five minutes. Take some time to ensure everything is accurate and that you have clearly stated what you need out of applicants.
Network Administrator Job Responsibilities
Composing an effective network administrator job description requires tailoring the job responsibilities to the ideal candidate you want for the role. The job responsibilities comprise the bulk of the description and should reflect more than general perfunctory duties; instead, they should appeal to talented, specialized candidates who understand the job and are seeking exciting opportunities.
To construct a successful job responsibilities section, compile a list of 6-8 essential tasks, emphasizing the role they play within the company. Briefly describe the tasks while illustrating their contribution to the larger operation. Avoid listing too many items, as this can deter applicants. The list should be concise and focused, featuring only the most essential responsibilities.
In your network administrator job description, list your job responsibilities using bullet points for clarity. Under each item, feel free to include specific information, such as who the applicant reports to, who they work with, et cetera. The clearer picture you paint of the position, the more talent you attract.
Here’s a list of a few network administrator job responsibilities that may be useful to you:
- Maintain computer system hardware and network, including diagnostics and performance upgrades
- Analyze system performance and recommend efficiency improvements
- Assist staff in network protocols, including VPN setup and encryption procedures
- Perform system data backup and implement recovery plan
Network Administrator Job Specifications
Incorporating targeted job qualifications and skills into your network administrator job description can limit the applicant pool to the most suitable candidates. Like in the job responsibilities section, your skills section should attract the ideal candidate, focusing on the expertise that contributes the most to the company.
In preparing your job description, create two lists of required and preferred skills. In separating the two, you can prioritize the qualities that are most desirable and valuable to your business. Your lists should range from specialized technical skills, such as programming and systems diagnostics, to general professional attributes like workflow management. Also, include experience and education requirements. Again, avoid being too general with your job specifications. The goal is to weed out underqualified applicants, which waste time and resources.
When you write the skills section of your network administrator job description, include several bullet points that are readable and direct. To give you a better idea of the kinds of skills to include, here are a few examples of network administrator job specifications:
- Programming proficiency in C++ and JavaScript
- Hardware and network maintenance, inspection and diagnostics
- Network strategist and systems analyst
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT management or related field
- Effective team leader and IT instructor
- Insightful complex problem-solver