Also called:
Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Systems Administrator
In the Air Force:
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Apprentice, E-3; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Craftsman, C-32/C-40; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Craftsman, RC-135; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Journeyman, EC-130J; Client Systems Helper; Cyber Surety Helper; Cyber Transport Systems Helper; Intelligence Analyst Helper, Cryptologic Analysis and Reporting; RF Transmission Systems Apprentice; Space Systems Operations Superintendent
In the Army:
Air Defense (AD) Battle Management System Operator; Automatic Test Systems Operator/Maintainer; Computer/Detection Systems Repairer; Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager; Field Artillery Technician; Information Technology Specialist; Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer/Integrator; Network Systems Engineering; Radio Equipment Repairer; Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant
In the Coast Guard:
Electronics Technician; Information System Technician; Intelligence Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Aviation Logistics Information Management System (ALIMS) Specialist; Communications Chief; Communications Training Instructor; Cyber Network Systems Chief; Data Systems Administrator; Defensive Cyberspace Operator; Information Security Technician; Network Administrator; Offensive Cyberspace Operator; Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare/Cyberspace Operations Technician; Transmissions System Operator
In the Navy:
Adversarial Pursuit Operator (APO); CVN Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) Administrator; Communications Manager; Cryptologic Cyberspace Planner; Cyber Threat Emulation Operator (CTEO); Electronic Warfare Specialist; Global Command and Control System-Maritime 4.X (GCCS-M 4.X) System Administrator; Information Technology Manager Submarines; LDO - Information Warfare; RL - Special Duty Officer - Cyber Warfare Engineer; Surface Electronic Warfare Operator
As a critical part of almost every organization, computer networks require the oversight of an information technology —or IT—professional. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They start by ensuring an organization’s needs will be met by a system before setting it up, then install hardware and software, and make ongoing upgrades and repairs as needed. Their domain includes local area networks, wide area networks, and other data communication systems. These IT professionals have frequent interaction with other IT staff, and with non-IT staff as well. Most network and computer systems administrators work full time. Organizations depend heavily on continuous service from their computer networks, so when issues arise, administrators may work overtime hours. Network and computer systems administrators need a combination of communication skills— to describe problems and their solutions to non-IT workers— and problem solving and computer skills to actually break down and resolve network issues. Although some employers require only a certificate or an associate’s degree to enter the field, most require a bachelor’s degree in a major related to computer or information science. Because this occupation includes a focus on working with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is usually acceptable as well.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
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.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Communications
telecommunications
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Network monitoring software
Nagios
Wireshark
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Development environment software
Integrated development environment IDE software
Microsoft Visual Basic
bachelor's degree or associate's degree usually needed
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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