System Administrator Job Description

What is a System Administrator?

System administrators (or sysadmin or systems administrator) are responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems and servers. They install hardware and software, and participate in research and development to continuously improve and keep up with the IT business needs of their organization. System administrators also actively resolve problems and issues with computer and server systems to limit work disruptions within the company.

Most system administrators start their career by pursuing a degree in computer science, IT, or engineering. In addition, many system administrators choose to get system or technology certifications in order to improve opportunities for advancement. A common progression in the career path of a system administrator is to move on to become a systems engineer and then a systems architect.

System Administrator Job Description Template

Job Overview

Sample Company is the leader in our industry in the Metropolis area. We have a 3.8 Glassdoor rating. We are looking to hire a System Administrator to join the Sample Company team. If you're hard-working and dedicated, Sample Company is a perfect place to grow your career. Apply now!

Responsibilities for System Administrator

  • Responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, network servers, and virtualization
  • Install and upgrade computer components and software, manage virtual servers, and integrate automation processes
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software errors by running diagnostics, documenting problems and resolutions, prioritizing problems, and assessing impact of issues
  • Provide documentation and technical specifications to IT staff for planning and implementing new or upgrades of IT infrastructure
  • Perform or delegate regular backup operations and implement appropriate processes for data protection, disaster recovery, and failover procedures
  • Lead desktop and helpdesk support efforts, making sure all desktop applications, workstations, and related equipment problems are resolved in a timely manner with limited disruptions
  • Responsible for capacity, storage planning, and database performance

Qualifications for System Administrator

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience required
  • 3-5 years of database, network administration, or system administration experience
  • System administration and IT certifications in Linux, Microsoft, or other network related fields are a plus
  • Working knowledge of virtualization, VMWare, or equivalent
  • Strong knowledge of systems and networking software, hardware, and networking protocols
  • Experience with scripting and automation tools
  • A proven track record of developing and implementing IT strategy and plans
  • Strong knowledge of implementing and effectively developing helpdesk and IT operations best practices, including expert knowledge of security, storage, data protection, and disaster recovery protocols

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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