Systems Administrator Job Description

Systems Administrator Job Description

Most Recent Research: Updated 18 January, 2011

Job Description

To provide systems,vendor or technology specific management, configuration, design, training and expertise. "Systems" may include network or server infrastructure or software applications or services.

Tasks and Activities

Ensure the proper operations of IT systems.

Monitor performance and availability.

Ensure availability compliance to Service Level Agreements.

Ensure that performance and functionality is delivered to meet required client outcomes and quality metrics.

Address operational systems issues.

Liaise with vendors, suppliers and professional services.

Provide status reporting and improvement recommendations.

Role at a Glance

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with IT systems or technologies. Depending on the job requirements, systems or technologies may include;

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Windows Server administration

Active Directory administration

Citrix XEN server

Microsoft SBS server 2008

Exchange server

SQL or MYSQL server

Remote access software

VMware server virtualization technologies

Backup software

Understanding of Change Management frameworks such as ITIL.

Excellent knowledge of inter dependencies between information systems and infrastructure.

Organizational Position

Reporing to the Team Leader, this position will often work within an operational team (day-to-day maintenance activities) or a project team (deliver a specific objective). There may also be interaction with Help Desk teams, end users, project managers, and managers.

Qualifications & Certifications

May hold a degree such as a Bachelor of Information Technology or degree in Computer Science. Vendor specific certifications may also be desirable.

Relevant industry certifications include Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA, Comptia A+, Comptia Network+ and VMWare.

Key Competencies

Situational Analysis

Customer Consideration

Teamwork

Developing Self and/or others

Managing Tasks

Specific Technical Knowledge

Attributes of an Excellent Systems Administrator

In addition to outstanding technical knowledge of the Information System, an excellent systems administrator also has an understanding of related fields such as change management, risk management, client communications and service level agreements.

Attraction to the position and job retention strategies for employers

This role is well suited to technically minded individuals with strong communication and team work skills.

Systems administrators can begin to feel as though there is no more to learn in a particular organization once day-to-day tasks start to become repetitive and not challenging. Employers may seek to keep work life interesting by providing variations of work. For example, project work, team leader work or as a trainer.