System Administrator Job Description Template

A system administrator running diagnostics on the network.

The value of system administrators in organizations of all types and sizes continues to increase, since they’re responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of networks. To attract top candidates for this important and competitive role, you will want to write a compelling system administrator job description that sells them on the opportunity.

This system administrator job description example can help you create a posting that will attract the best qualified candidates. You can also browse our system administrator job listings for more ideas on how to fill out your description.

A system administrator running diagnostics on the network.

System Administrator

[Intro Paragraph] Beginning your web system administrator job description with an introductory paragraph that tells the prospective applicant a little bit about your company and the working environment is your chance to set your company apart from the rest. Take 2-3 sentences to cater your recruiting pitch to the ideal candidate and lure the best of the best.

System Administrator Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintains web environment by identifying system requirements, installing upgrades and monitoring system performance.
  • Establishes web system specifications by analyzing access, information and security requirements and designing system infrastructure.
  • Establishes web system by planning and executing the selection, installation and configuration; testing of server hardware, software, and operating and system management systems and defining system and operational policies and procedures.
  • Maintains web system performance by performing system monitoring and analysis and performance tuning; troubleshooting system hardware, software, and operating and system management systems; designing and running system load/stress testing and escalating application problems to vendor.
  • Secures web system by developing system access, monitoring, control and evaluation; establishing and testing disaster recovery policies and procedures; completing back-ups; and maintaining documentation.
  • Upgrades web system by conferring with vendors and services and developing, testing, evaluating, and installing enhancements and new software.
  • Meets financial requirements by submitting information for budgets and monitoring expenses.
  • Updates job knowledge by tracking emerging internet technologies, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations.
  • Accomplishes organizational goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

[Work Hours & Benefits] Discuss the working hours and benefits specific to your company here. This is your chance to tell prospective system administrators about flexible hours, the ability to work from home, or other telecommuting opportunities. And focus on the benefits that set you apart, like conference sponsorships or continuing education or tuition credits.

System Administrator Skills / Qualifications:

  • General Programming Skills
  • System Administration
  • Technical Understanding and Management
  • Provisioning
  • Telecommunications and Internet Technologies
  • Dependability, Verbal Communication, and Ability to Handle Pressure and Learn on the Fly

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering
  • Minimum of five years of experience in IT or database administration
  • Experience with Java GUI front-end development, SQL, Postgres, or equivalent database tools
  • Experience with Agile software development using JIRA
  • Experience with Zeek (formerly Bro)
  • Experience in multiple OS platforms with strong emphasis on Linux (CentOS, Red Hat, Ubuntu), Mac OS X and Windows systems
  • Experience with OS-level scripting environment such as Bourne shell.
  • Experience working in a research environment that relies extensively on Open Source solutions
  • In-depth knowledge of the TCP / IP protocol suite, security architecture, securing and hardening Operating Systems, Networks, Databases and Applications.
  • Knowledge of the Incident Response life-cycle
  • Thorough understanding of the threat and attack landscape, attack vectors, vulnerabilities and how they are leveraged by malicious actors.
  • Security certifications, Database Administrator certifications.
  • Familiarity with astronomy and physics applications in computing.

[Call to Action] Now that you’ve got a candidate’s interest, you need to let them know how to apply in this section of your system administrator job description by writing a call to action. Advise prospective system admins to apply through the job listing or to contact your HR department directly.

Attract Top Candidates to Manage Your Organization’s Network Today

Your computer network is one of your most important assets, so you’ll want to make sure you find the right person to maintain it. After you’ve crafted the perfect system administrator job description, get it in front of talented candidates today with a free job listing on Monster’s world-class job board.