Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is someone who oversees the computer systems of a company. They maintain the computers and networks, as well as installing new technology. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Systems Administrators.
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Main Responsibilities of Systems Administrator
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Systems Administrator:
Administer
Administer and enhance the Microsoft365 Platform.
Administer and maintains system stability.
Administer and test disaster recovery solutions.
Administer production and development server environments.
Administer servers, routers, switches, firewalls, phones, security updates.
Administer user accounts and access controls.
Administer Windows and Linux servers in both cloud and premise-based environments.
Analyze
Analyze and improve system performance and stability.
Analyze application usage to ensure long-term viability of systems.
Analyze cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified in Accuray software.
Analyze and resolve end user software program and connectivity issues.
Analyze and resolve issues with hardware, software and peripheral equipment.
Analyze, design, acquire and implement projects for LAN and / or WAN systems.
Answer
Answer technical queries and assist users.
Apply
Apply developments, learned through research in the field of expertise, to the client environment.
Apply OS patches and upgrades on a periodic basis and upgrade administrative tools and utilities.
Apply OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis.
Apply the patches using SCCM.
Assign
Assign and follow-up on workorders.
Assign configuration of authentication and authorization of directory services.
Assist in
Assist and provides support for external and internal system audits.
Assist in accessing and managing records in the database.
Assist in attaining various security compliance certifications e.g. NIST 800-171.
Assist in developing new custom applications or customizing OOTB applications.
Assist in supporting all technical operations of our studio locations.
Assist in supporting all technical operations of our Vancouver studio.
Assist in the evaluation, selection and delivery of alternative solutions.
Assist in the execution of all Business Continuity planning and testing.
Assist in troubleshooting patch / release management issues.
Assist Level 1 help desk agents and support teams.
Assist project teams to meet quick turnarounds for troubleshooting administration issues.
Assist the DC Technical Services Manager with special projects that may be assigned.
Assist the QA Manager with managing the Internal Audit program.
Assist users with analyzing and troubleshooting hardware, software, and networking issues.
Assist with documenting policies and procedures for both new and existing areas.
Assist with exporting and importing data between systems and / or other third party systems.
Assist with supporting the Help Desk ticketing queue which may includes some in-office presence.
Assist with system balancing and data audit activities.
Assist with Systems budget planning and maintenance.
Assist with the management of telecom and cellular hardware and software.
Assist with the sizing of those servers.
Build
Build and manage servers, including domain controllers and related systems.
Build automation tools to streamline and scale applications in the production environment.
Build, configure, and administer virtual (VMware) and physical servers.
Build, configure, and troubleshoot open source and commercial applications.
Building, installation, and support of GNU / FSF development tools.
Collaborate
Collaborate and communicate with Network Architect for completing networking project portfolio items.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Collaborate with other departments on joint projects.
Collaborate with partners.
Collect
Collect and analyze capacity data for planning or proactive resolution of issues.
Collect documents required throughout the client intake process.
Collect and analyze data to find trends and ways to replace manual tasks with automated routines.
Collect information to analyze and evaluate existing or proposed systems.
Communicate
Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Communicate technical and functional problems to end-users and correct the problem.
Communicate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Complete
Complete help desk tickets and administer technical support to users.
Complete monthly Arming Audits to email to the Security Coordinator.
Complete regular internal system audits and prepare for upgrades.
Complete reports to funders as required.
Complete understanding of Change Management and Fault Management.
Conduct
Conduct AWS administrative, access, and support tasks across appropriate environments.
Conduct functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability.
Conduct process review and documentation of current process.
Conduct required updates, fixes, and other maintenance tasks on infrastructure components.
Conduct research to aid in maintaining and implementing new systems.
Conduct reviews of new and existing technologies and coordinates planning with the ISO.
Conduct systems analysis and development to keep systems current with changing technologies.
Configure
Configure and maintain physical, logical and virtualized components.
Configure and maintain routing and switching for Enterprise network.
Configure and maintain security policies for server, network, workstations and data.
Configure and maintain server data backup routines, and disaster recovery tests.
Configure, deploy and maintain routers, switches and other network equipment.
Configure, support, and troubleshoot new and existing computer systems and peripherals.
Configure & support desktop applications & ensure configurations comply with IT policies.
Contribute to
Contribute to ongoing assessment of third-party suppliers, vendors and contractors to manage risk.
Contribute to the design of existing and future platforms.
Contribute to the operational integrity and success of our cloud application services.
Coordinate
Coordinate and communicate with impacted constituencies and team members.
Coordinate and connect with impacted constituencies.
Coordinate annual audits of department assets.
Coordinate vendor supplied site services, problem resolution, and billing.
Coordinate with account manager to assist and advise in product purchases requested by clients.
Coordinate with external IT consultants and vendors as needed.
Coordinate with the account manager to assist and advise in product purchases requested by clients.
Create
Create and maintain IBM Sterling Integrator Workflows.
Create and maintains documentation to support systems within area of responsibility.
Create and / or maintain end-user documentation on procedures and how-to documents.
Create and update technical / procedural documentation.
Create a network foundation to Segment Networks and reduce Risks by deploying Network Access Control.
Create credentials and provides instructions for faculty to administer WHMIS training to students.
Create DHCP reservations and print queues on print server.
Create knowledge articles and training materials.
Create reports from Cisco VOIP data to track call volume.
Create, updates and deletes user accounts as requested.
Create work orders and assign to appropriate facilities team or vendor resource.
Define
Define and manage IT Disaster Recovery Strategy for organization.
Deploy
Deploy monthly security patches and updates to all environments (Prod, Staging, Dev).
Deploy Network Devices (Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Wireless).
Deploy new releases of the application.
Develop
Develop and implements network system backups.
Develop and maintain an enterprise class physical, virtual server, and storage infrastructure.
Develop and maintain automation tools for team needs.
Develop and maintain documentation for KCCD's Systems infrastructure.
Develop and maintain import files and mapping of data for hosted system interfaces.
Develop and maintain installation and configuration procedures.
Develop and maintain production infrastructure and mission-critical internal systems.
Develop and maintain reports for financial and business reporting.
Develop and maintains system documentation.
Develop / design comprehensive systemic solutions to a wide array of business challenges.
Develop, implements and manages system upgrades.
Develop, improve and maintain existing infrastructure as code, infrastructure applications, etc.
Develop mitigation plans for security vulnerabilities.
Develop solutions to technical issues on complex software and systems.
Develop system work-instructions and deliver training as appropriate.
Document
Document all configuration, management and optimization changes to the cloud environment.
Document programming problems and resolutions for future reference.
Document technical issues and escalate to teams as necessary.
Ensure
Ensure adequate on-call coverage.
Ensure adequate support is accessible to the users of the services.
Ensure all inquiries and problems are handled in a courteous and professional manner.
Ensure all systems and support processes are documented and kept up to date.
Ensure all systems are protected and backed up.
Ensure company compliance with software licensing agreements.
Ensure compliance to company IT KPIs and SLAs.
Ensure compliance with all Training Procedures and Policies.
Ensure compliance with established standards, policies, and configuration guidelines.
Ensure critical system security through the use of best in class security solutions.
Ensure defined processes, methodologies, and procedures are followed.
Ensure documentation of new and existing systems is developed & maintained.
Ensure LAN / WAN Operation and Availability.
Ensure operational stability, efficiency, and security of server systems and infrastructure.
Ensure real-time problem diagnosis / resolution.
Ensure recovery plans for systems can be successfully executed.
Ensure security through access control reviews, OS hardening and vulnerability patching.
Ensure security through access controls, backups, and firewalls.
Ensure SLA compliance for hosted services.
Ensure systems are operating to meet the needs of the studio without project delay.
Ensure that all changes to the network environment are being maintained.
Ensure that incidents and requests are handled according to documented standards and procedures.
Ensure the production start-up of the various systems and applications.
Ensure the relevance and proper operation of the proposed solutions.
Ensure the scalability and appropriate integrations with other systems.
Establish
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Establish backup systems, verify that the backups have been completed, and test the backups.
Establish the needs of internal users and monitor access and security by role.
Establish the quality of solutions through validation against the requirements.
Evaluate
Evaluate and recommend useful technologies and workflows.
Evaluate of new technologies or solutions to improve service and efficiency of systems.
Evaluate system functionality and performance.
Evaluating, configuring, and maintaining systems software.
Exercise
Exercise advanced troubleshooting of issues and outages.
Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
Follow
Follow and monitor project / maintenance schedules and meet project / maintenance deliverables.
Follow change management procedures.
Follow Change Management procedures providing the relevant amount of detail.
Follow through on commitments.
Follow up
Follow up managing subscription for servers in all tiers.
Follow-Up to ensure completion & customer satisfaction.
Follow up with users and colleagues.
Gather
Gather requirements, created technical specification documents and develop solution as requested.
Gather requirements for solutions requested.
Handle
Handle annual Studio IT budgets and ensure cost effectiveness.
Handle Linux / Window account creation, access management for end users of our systems / software.
Handle the execution of quality control and assurance measures adhering to Service Level Agreements.
Help
Help lead and support system roll-out of new applications and updates.
Help refine good end-user computing practices.
Help establish and maintain strong relationships with clients by excelling in job duties.
Help to prepare data flow / security documentation.
Identify
Identify and contribute improvement opportunities that align with services enabling business success.
Identify and resolve assigned customer issues in a consultative manner.
Identify and resolve production alerts.
Identify application defects and assist in trouble shooting root cause.
Identify approaches that leverage our resources and provide economies of scale.
Identify approaches that use our resources and provide economies of scale.
Identify issues, analyze and interpret data and develop innovative solutions.
Identify opportunities to reduce regional infrastructure cost.
Identify, research and resolve technical issues for users in a positive manner.
Implement
Implement and help plan for upgrades to Systems infrastructure district wide.
Implement and maintain security and standards for servers, databases and applications.
Implement backup solution and ensure a cohesive disaster recovery plan.
Implement, manage and maintain industry standard infrastructure and services.
Implement new solutions corresponding to the company's orientations.
Implement security procedures in accordance with documentation.
Initiate
Initiate process improvements for internal and external customers.
Install
Install and configure computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers, and scanners.
Install and configure Cylance Endpoint Protection software within Linux and Windows systems.
Install, configure, and secure servers in a virtual environment.
Install, configure and test computer hardware and operating systems.
Install, move, and / or break-down systems.
Install new computer and network equipment as necessary.
Install software, including programming languages, software, and device drivers.
Install, upgrade, and maintain business and infrastructure software and solutions.
Lead
Lead assessment of company security implementations, identify security issues and prioritize fixes.
Lead reviews and analyze performance metrics in order to optimize environment for efficiencies.
Maintain
Maintain active directory, domains and patching of Q4 systems.
Maintain a log of system problems, errors, failures, and downtime metrics.
Maintain an accurate inventory of district owned equipment.
Maintain and develop system process documentation.
Maintain and extend process documentation.
Maintain and optimize Stellar's Information Systems.
Maintain and / or develop customer Disaster Recovery Plans.
Maintain and organize physical inventory.
Maintain and patch existing hosts and VMs using VMWare COTS product.
Maintain and update infrastructure, application monitoring systems, and application deployment code.
Maintain a solid understanding of server, network, storage and desktop infrastructure.
Maintain current systems and implement new systems.
Maintain detailed documentation of IT infrastructure and network topologies.
Maintain documentation and processes around key IT services in the organization.
Maintain effective control over the hard copy controlled documentation distribution and log indexes.
Maintain hardware and software inventory lists.
Maintain Hardware & software inventory levels for the IT department.
Maintain health of environment.
Maintain key database by ensuring key request forms are signed and returned to security.
Maintain management class constructs defining retention requirements for data sets.
Maintain proactive cyber security protocols.
Maintain required compliance reports and scheduled delivery.
Maintain security system and key card access accounts.
Maintain server backup systems and monitor system performance.
Maintain server hardware warranties and support agreements.
Maintain Server Systems Inventory.
Maintain system operational reliability and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Maintain up-to-date systems and DR documentation.
Manage
Manage access and space management for data center.
Manage all customer endpoints through RMM tool.
Manage and maintain Genetec' s backup infrastructure which includes on-prem and cloud environments.
Manage and maintain user accounts, user groups and permissions.
Manage and resolve performance and availability issues in alignment with established SLAs.
Manage and validate backups.
Manage Azure Active Directory and O365 Exchange email.
Manage cross domain enterprise level solutions.
Manage Customer SOP document entries with the SOP Management Tool.
Manage IT budget forecasts.
Manage, maintain, and enhance current and future baselines.
Manage mandatory training schedule and internal records.
Manage multiple platforms including Windows, VMWare, and Citrix.
Manage multi-user computer systems.
Manage networks, file shares, virtual infrastructures, and some SAN / NAS environments.
Manage data migrations, including ETL and other data transformation activates between systems.
Manage e-mail, DNS, file sharing, application, and / or other systems and services as necessary.
Manage server administration for Windows, Linux, and Unix.
Manage problem and request tickets for assigned technology.
Manage projects involving server application and hardware upgrades.
Manage server lifecycle including design, implementation, service life, and retirement.
Manage users, groups and roles.
Manage system accounts and permissions (both Salesforce and other organizational systems).
Manage the deployment, upgrades, and maintenance of VMs, EC2, servers, hardware, software.
Manage the distribution and access of Quicksight reports.
Manage Vendor, Asset, Schedules, Inventory and other 360 Facility modules deployed.
Manage vendor relationships relevant to supported technologies.
Monitor
Monitor all operational systems and perform routine health checks.
Monitor and maintain systems and ensure their optimal performance.
Monitor and manage IT assets by keeping an up-to-date inventory, and EOL assets when necessary.
Monitor and manage phone queue.
Monitor and mitigate security vulnerabilities.
Monitor and resolve system emergencies.
Monitor and test server and storage performance and provide performance statistics and reports.
Monitor and troubleshoot system performance issues.
Monitor health of the application & environment, & act to return system to health when alerted.
Monitor internal and customer environments, using monitoring tools (Proactive).
Monitor server and system health to ensure availability.
Monitor system performance and health.
Own
Own and ensure adherence of team members to systems implementation methodology.
Own projects, solutions, and key responsibilities within a larger business initiative.
Participate in
Participate in creating and enforce corporate IT security standards.
Participate in incident response and troubleshooting efforts as issues arise.
Participate in the development of technical road maps.
Participate in weekly on-call rotation.
Perform
Perform and verify database backups.
Perform automated and manual audits of infrastructure and network devices.
Perform a wide variety of system administration tasks for the OpenText Content Server solution.
Perform capacity and resource planning by assessing risks and developing contingency plans.
Perform complex platform, software and operating system upgrades and track system licensing.
Perform cost quoting exercises for new initiatives.
Perform cybersecurity risk assessments for vulnerabilities.
Perform daily monitoring and troubleshooting of the platform components.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Perform installation, implementation, configuration, and support of OIS.
Perform Linux audit and reporting tasks.
Perform network, server and storage performance reporting to support capacity planning.
Perform OS and vendor software patching on servers, workstations, and networks.
Perform OS compliance with DISA STIGS.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform periodic user access and audit trail reviews.
Perform post-resolution follow-ups, time permitting.
Perform problem resolution, document and communicate to team leads.
Perform server administration setup.
Perform software installations and upgrades to operating systems and layered software packages.
Perform system maintenance activities across multiple environments / technologies.
Perform systems maintenance tasks, such as system back-up, recovery and file maintenance.
Perform systems maintenance, upgrades, capacity planning, and administration.
Perform system software upgrades including planning / scheduling, testing and coordination.
Perform system testing (as needed).
Perform technical lead role on projects that contain an infrastructure component.
Perform updates and patches to systems as required.
Perform updates and regular maintenance on servers, databases and applications.
Perform upgrades, repairs and preventive maintenance on desktops, printers, and other equipment.
Prepare
Prepare and document all Sarbanes-Oxley tasks.
Prepare clear and concise written communications.
Prepare file server permissions for Users / Departments.
Prepare monthly status reports on infrastructure performance to Director of IT.
Prepare documentation and defines system specific dependencies to assist in problem analysis.
Prepare required system documentation.
Produce
Produce metrics for the project team.
Produce quarterly and year-end payroll reports.
Produce regular reports for systems utilization and up-time.
Propose
Propose and implement system enhancements that will improve reliability and performance of system.
Propose, maintain and enforce server polices, practices and security procedures.
Provide
Provide 24 x 7 first level production support.
Provide 3rd line support, take control of escalated issues and work on a number of tech ops projects.
Provide and document analysis and feedback to customers and agency management.
Provide application and system administration support services for in-service management of systems.
Provide basic support on Telecom, VoIP - moves, adds and changes.
Provide computer orientation to new and existing company staff.
Provide customer service support to internal and external customers.
Provide DASD / tape storage space available to correct DASD / tape space shortage.
Provide day-to-day customer support related to end-user requests requiring server changes.
Provide desktop and audio / visual system support to Institute employees and partners.
Provide detail requirements / specifications to developers and or 3rd party vendor (s).
Provide efficient and effective first line of support for local, remote and mobile staff.
Provide escalation support to local support on G Suite and Office 365 core services when applicable.
Provide feedback to agency management and internal customers for escalated tickets.
Provide guidance and training to junior level administrators and peers.
Provide inventory control for system spares.
Provide onsite Exchange server technical support to both OCIT Shared Services staff and end-users.
Provide production infrastructure support for our large and complex base of live clients.
Provide project management for small to mid-size projects.
Provide proof-reading skills for controlled documents and drafting new SOPs when required.
Provide second and third level customer system support for customer software / system applications.
Provide support for Active Directory Domains, including DNS and Group Policies.
Provide support for certification and accreditation.
Provide support for servers, hardware, backup solutions and the monitoring system.
Provide support to internal teams to deliver IT services.
Provide support to the Office of the CEO, occasionally after hours and weekends.
Provide team members with regular progress updates.
Provide technical assistance and support to resolve all hardware / software related issues.
Provide technical expertise for staff on new system development and existing modifications.
Provide technical leadership mentoring and governance to the infrastructure SMEs.
Provide technical support per request from various constituencies.
Provide technical support to users and the desktop support team as required.
Provide the installation, maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems.
Provide third-level technical support to users from different areas of the company.
Provide timely response to customer escalations.
Provide training on O365 solution offerings, as well as IT orientation and security training.
Provide training to staff.
Provide users with technical support on all problems experienced by users of the systems.
Provide user training and hands on support.
Receive
Receive coverage for applicable professional development courses and membership dues / fees.
Receive similar job offers.
Receive tickets from bank users / IT and quickly resolve technical issues.
Research
Research and recommend new approaches to improve the systems in place.
Research, develop, and deploy Office 365 (O365) solutions, including delivering proof of concepts.
Research and evaluate Azure implementation and management.
Research ideas to improve system performance and impact availability.
Research new releases / technology to support the environment.
Research, recommend, analyze, and implement, solutions and changes to rectify system deficiencies.
Research, recommend, and implement innovative solutions.
Research technical manuals and guides to respond to user questions.
Resolve
Resolve 80% of incidents without escalation.
Resolve issues in a timely manner, and take necessary steps to prevent future recurrence.
Resolve escalated problems & ensures resolutions and procedures are documented.
Review
Review Mainframe DASD / tape space availability by SMSPLEX and by SYSPLEX.
Review, recommend, and implement improvements to current processes, technology, and tools.
Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled tasks.
Schedule
Schedule Changes based on need.
Schedule, install, upgrade and maintain operating systems and software.
Suggest
Suggest improvements to security protocols.
Support
Support access availability for shared network folders and applications.
Support and meet established SLA / OLA standards for production environments.
Support clustered computing, web servers, intrusion detection, databases and more.
Support data maintenance, including duplicate identification and merging.
Support end-users for issues involving Systems Administrators and escalate when required.
Support Enterprise Data Backup and DR environment.
Support Facilities Management team with vendor coordination and oversight as needed.
Support, implement, troubleshoot and maintain IT systems.
Support performance testing and application benchmarking activities.
Support the creation of user training programmes to improve and maintain user skill levels.
Support the planning, design and execution of platform tools needed to administer endpoint devices.
Support Web access and electronic messaging services, and maintains a secure systems environment.
Train
Train SMEs and other stakeholders on the use of ETS and the SOP Management Tool.
Train technical staff in how to use new software and hardware developed and / or acquired.
Train users in new and existing IT systems.
Train users in the proper use of hardware and software.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and debug production software.
Troubleshoot and repair any hardware or software failures to the ITS systems that may come up.
Troubleshoot complex technical issues through to resolution.
Troubleshoot, problem solve and coordinate resolution - For any technical issues.
Troubleshoot, resolve, and document technical issues as Tier 3 support desk technician.
Troubleshoot and resolve high-level issues with the technology infrastructure.
Troubleshoot support issues and provides Tier 2 / 3 support to our End User Services team.
Troubleshoot, support and manage Microsoft operating systems and updates.
Troubleshoot tickets to resolution.
Understand
Understand and develop all required testing for successful DR execution.
Understand and adheres to team SLAs.
Understand system metrics / performance reports and maintain system capacity and performance.
Upgrade
Upgrade systems and processes as required for enhanced functionality and security issue resolution.
Upgrade systems with new releases and models.
Verify
Verify network requirements for printer vlans.
Verify the accuracy of restorable backups of all systems and data.
Work
Work as a member of a centralized IT support team.
Work closely with other teams to ensure proper systems setup and configuration.
Work closely with the NDOT District personnel to maintain current systems.
Work collaboratively with the Health and Safety Team.
Work directly with our CADD vendors support staff to coordinate on technical issues as required.
Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Work in a diverse environment and cross-train with other global team members.
Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
Work independently and as a team member.
Work independently and in a group to manage full scope of responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Work on project implementation.
Work pro-actively to identify issues and implement preventative solutions.
Work with Accounting to ensure accurate reconciliation and GL.
Work with appropriate Client personnel and / or vendor personnel to resolve problems.
Work with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
Work with other production and support teams to implement changes to production environment.
Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
Work with technical and agile teams to prioritize backlog work, incidents and problems.
Work with the development team.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Systems Administrator:
Windows
Azure
Troubleshooting
Python
Bash
Networking
DHCP
Firewalls
System Administration
Customer Service
Windows Server
Scripting
Office 365
Cisco
MCSA
TCP / IP
Perl
Virtualization
Systems Administration
Administration
MCSE
Ansible
SQL
Design
Configuring
Project Management
Unix
Sharepoint
Centos
LAN
Security
Excel
Exchange
Itil
Network
Puppet
Routers
Switches
Docker
Routing
IIS
VPN
Information Systems
Network Administration
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Systems Administrator:
Written and oral communication skills
Problem-solving attitude
Interpersonal skills
Analytical ability
Organizational capacity
Attention to detail
Team player
Time-management
Bilingualism
Work independently with little direction
Collaborative
Detail-oriented
Multi-task
Troubleshooting skills
Self-starter
Adaptable to changes
Leadership
Self-motivated
Organized
Work under pressure
Initiative
Teamwork
Flexible
Problem management
Sense of ownership
Planning
Critical thinker
Enthusiastic
Presentation
Priority management
Communications
Decision-making
Creative
Positive attitude
Proactive
Decision-making skills
Judgment
Desire
Highly motivated
Integrity
Listening
Meet deadlines
Resourcefulness
Results-oriented
Bilingualism
Communicate with multiple disciplines
Communications skill
Dependable
Diagnose and resolve problems quickly
