MightyRecruiterSystem administrators are essential professionals in nearly every modern corporation. They design, create and maintain the computer systems and local networks that are needed to keep the communication and transfer of information flowing in a business. In addition to the maintenance of such systems, they also gather information and data from these systems in order to make them more efficient.
As you would expect, the most important qualification to include on your system administrator job description is computer science knowledge. It is vital that all candidates have a firm understanding of both the hardware and software involved with a complicated corporate computer system.
Some secondary skills that are frequently necessary for these professionals include analytical and evaluation skills, critical thinking and communication abilities. Learn the best way to incorporate these requirements into your own job description by reviewing the following system administrator job description template.
System Administrator Job Summary
Are you looking for the opportunity to put your extensive computer science knowledge and skills to good use? We are seeking your abilities. A talented system administrator with critical thinking and analytical abilities would fit right in with our dynamic and dedicated information technology team. You will implement your understanding of computer systems and networks to keep our information and communication systems operating the way they were designed to and coordinate with other computer engineers to maximize their efficiency. Enter into a fulfilling career making a real difference in how our business operates where you can stretch your computer science muscles.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of our established computer systems and networks, identifying any areas of underperformance or issues that arise, making note of them and quickly implementing solutions
- Perform maintenance on the system to make improvements and prevent overheating or other issues from arising, making predictions of problems in advance
- Monitor system performance, creating reports that outline inefficiencies or areas in need of improvement, making recommendations for how these areas can be resolved
- Complete data backups on a regular basis in preparation for any errors that may otherwise cause data loss
- Plan network security updates, ensuring all computer systems are protected against data theft or loss at all times and no risk is unattended
- Perform research of new technology solutions and strategies, outlining the vital information to supervisors and making a case for the benefits
- Relay information between system administrators and supervisors in order to better collaborate with other computer engineers
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Minimum three years of working experience in computer maintenance or operation
- Associate degree in computer engineering or related field
Preferred:
- Bachelor degree in computer science related field
- Experience with switching, routing and firewall configuration
System Administrator Job Responsibilities
Writing the responsibilities of your network administrator job description is your chance to sell your organization to computer systems experts. Don’t sell yourself short by hiding your company’s personality behind unnatural formalities and language. Instead, write in a style you typically use on the job, including language that’s common in day-to-day interactions. Let network administrators get a feel for your approach to business and your company’s unique personality simply by reading the tasks mentioned on the system administrator job description. Revealing your ethos in the job posting strengthens the possibility of appealing to candidates who match your style.
In addition, note that the job responsibilities section carries the most weight in your description. Since jobseekers in the digital age consider what a job promises them just as much as (or more than) what they offer a potential employer, tailor the responsibilities section to prove that your company highly values its personnel. If the network administrator has freedom to work from home or opportunities to travel frequently, make those explicit in the system administrator job description. In doing so, you’ll gain the attention of professionals who recognize the worth your organization places on its staff.
The following are examples of system administrator job responsibilities you may want to include in your job posting:
- Configure network systems to maintain optimal performance and uptime
- Secure systems to ensure protocols protect data, software and hardware
- Implement fail-safe backup procedures for round-the-clock data security
- Visit statewide network facilities monthly to collaborate with regional colleagues
System Administrator Job Specifications
Well-written job descriptions with clear skills and qualifications lists filter unqualified candidates from applicant pools, saving time and increasing the likelihood of drawing the most qualified professionals. When writing a system administrator job description, take time to consider your preference for the network administrator’s involvement in the organization’s broader mission. Does an administrator’s priority lie in day-to-day systems networking or does he primarily supervise the network staff? Does management expect her to serve on organizational leadership committees as well as troubleshoot consistently? Thoughtfully considering these expectations and incorporating them into the job description’s skills and qualifications leads to promising results in the search for qualified candidates.
In a system administrator job description, also include any credentials you expect of an applicant beyond an associate’s degree. Are you looking for someone who holds Microsoft credentials such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, do you prefer Linux Professional Institute Certifications, or should a candidate have both? Explicitly state the minimum education and certification your organization requires, and list optional credentials as such.
For example, here are some system administrator job specifications you may consider:
- Associate of Science in Network and Systems Administration (Bachelor of Science preferred)
- Advanced Linux Certification (LPIC-3)
- 3-5 years in increasingly responsible information services roles
- Ability to configure network systems securely while reducing downtime and troubleshooting effectively
