Network Administrator

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: LAN Administrator (Local Area Network Administrator); LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist); Network Administrator (Network Admin); Network Analyst; Network Coordinator; Network Engineer; Network Manager; Network Specialist; Systems Engineer

Tasks

• 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.
• Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
• Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
• Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.
• Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.

Knowledge

• Computers and Electronics
• Telecommunications
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Administration and Management
• Administrative

Skills

• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Near Vision
• Fluency of Ideas
• Written Expression
• Originality
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Category Flexibility
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity