System Administrator

**System Admin role & responsibilities**
The responsibilities of a system admin position could include any of the following:
**User administration**
The primary responsibility of a sysadmin is to support reliable and effective use of complex IT systems by end users, whether internal employees or external customers. Activities range from managing identities and access to providing dedicated technical support to individual users.
As sysadmin, you may be the first contact point within IT departments for users to resolve any tech-related issue.
**System maintenance**
Sysadmins are responsible for dependable access and availability to IT systems. Sysadmins are therefore required to troubleshoot and fix issues that compromise system performance or access to an IT service.
This responsibility also involves regular system improvements, such as upgrades based on evolving end-user and business requirements.
**Documentation**
Sysadmins are required to maintain records of IT assets usage. To plan for future IT investments and upgrades, you will document:

- End-user requests
- Business requirements
- IT issues

Documentation also underpins regulatory compliance.

**System health monitoring**

Most IT issues go unnoticed until the impact reaches end users. Sysadmins therefore monitor system health and identify anomalous network behavior, which may include security-sensitive activities such as unauthorized network access and data transfer.Advanced technology solutions may be used to accomplish these tasks, supporting the wider IT Security and Operations departments.

**Backup & disaster recovery**

Sysadmins implement data backup and disaster recovery strategies for different IT systems and SDLC environments. You’ll also facilitate end-users in accessing data that may have been deleted or unavailable.Activities may involve:

- Implementing automated software solutions
- Replacing hardware and software components

**Application compatibility**

Sysadmins support various IT teams to ensure that software systems and feature releases are compatible with the IT infrastructure. For example, as sysadmin you may:

- Testing server load performance
- Install/upgrade hardware components

**Web service administration & configurations**

Sysadmins regularly perform web service administration and configuration management activities, including ensuring that configuration changes are documented and follow organizational policies associated with access and cybersecurity.Configuration changes may be applied using automation and configuration management tools.

**Network administration**

To maintain network integrity, sysadmins ensure that network interactions follow organizational policies and protocols.(A background in network engineering may be required to perform mission-critical network administration activities.)

**Security administration**

Security responsibilities are centered on infrastructure and network security, with activities including:

- Network monitoring and analysis
- Identity and access management
- Maintaining security of hardware components
- Managing software licensing, updates, and patchingSysadmins adopting these responsibilities tend to work closely with security specialists and engineers within the organization as well as external consultants.

**Database administration**

Sysadmins may be responsible for maintaining the integrity, performance, and efficiency of database systems. Database management activities may include migration, design, configuration, installation and security of the organization’s data assets. Sysadmins may actas liaison with users to address database related issues, including backup and restoration activities.

**Installation & patching**

Sysadmins are responsible for managing, troubleshooting, licensing, and updating hardware and software assets. You will ensure that appropriate measures are proactively followed in response to unforeseen issues such as IT downtime or zero-day exploits. Then, you’ll documented these activities and follow a strategic approach, per organizational policy.

**User training**

Usually sysadmins communicate directly with end users to solve technical issues. Sometimes, you may also conduct training programs to bring users up to pace with new software installations or IT system changes.These training programs may not pertain to specialized engineering tools, but the Web portal and procedures required to access the corporate network and IT services.

**Common skills for sysadmins**

Sysadmin positions may not require engineering know-how, but a strong background in IT is necessary to perform sysadmin duties. You’ll also want to boast effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

**Here are some common skills needed to be a successful sysadmin**:
**Subject matter expertise**.

Most organizations employ multiple individuals specializing in specific system administration domains, so you’ll want to be an expert in one or more of the following: