Network Administrator Job Role?

nel

Hi,

i am looking for a network admin job because i want to get into the cisco field and i was wondering what else you guys do on a daily basis? because it cant be configuring and installing new cisco kit all the time surely?

Im looking at a job and here's its post:

Part of the Infrastructure Team, the Network Administrator's role is to provide assistance to the Network Manager to ensure the stable operation of the in-house computer and telephony systems, and to provide second level technical support via the IT helpdesk. The role includes installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimising network hardware, software, and communication links. The Network Administrator will also analyse and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide assistance to end users where required. The role will primarily consist of system administration and support, though flexibility is required depending on the department's workload.


SPECIFIC DUTIES

System Administration
Installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end user workstation hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
Administer servers, including e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software.
Perform system backups and recovery.
Administer security solutions, including firewall, anti-virus, and intrusion detection systems.
Assist Network Manager in the administration of network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, hubs, and UPS.
Ensure network connectivity of all workstations.
Assist with Network asset management
Administer and maintain end user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
Assist with network improvement projects, upgrades and repairs.
Set-up and support of Mobile working (e.g. BlackBerry, remote working etc.) and VOIP system
Assist Network Manager as required

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Working technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server
1st and 2nd level IT support experience
Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards
Hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.
Cisco switching (desirable)
Certification in core technologies (desirable)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to conduct research into networking issues and products as required.
Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
Highly self-motivated and directed.
Keen attention to detail.
Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Strong customer service orientation.

As part of the IT Team's commitment to provide technical helpdesk cover from 0830 to 1800, this role will require flexibility with working hours. The standard hours for this role are 36.25 hours per week and the working times will vary from 0830 - 1700 and 0930 - 1800 hours on alternate weeks.

Salary dependant on experience.

Is this the kind of role net admins do? or does it sound like a 2nd line role still? sometimes i just cant tell because you know what recruitement agencies and such are like now with ads!

i do 2nd line support now and are dying to spread out my wings and go the cisco route so i dont want to take a side step as such.

Any thoughts on this guys?

cisco_trooper

The only way you will be 100% Cisco is if you are consulting. Very few organizations have networks so large that they can keep a Cisco guy busy all the time. You install it, then you maintain it, and if it was designed with proper consideration maintenance won't take much time. If you find you are able to be dedicated to Cisco without working in the field, you'll probably be twiddling your thumbs alot.

nel

cisco_trooper wrote:

The only way you will be 100% Cisco is if you are consulting. Very few organizations have networks so large that they can keep a Cisco guy busy all the time. You install it, then you maintain it, and if it was designed with proper consideration maintenance won't take much time. If you find you are able to be dedicated to Cisco without working in the field, you'll probably be twiddling your thumbs alot.

Sorry, i should have posted that i knew that would be the case. Does the job description fit with other things that you do?

cisco_trooper

That sounds about right for network admin. Not likely to get much Cisco experience there. Like I said, a network is generally only installed once, and if done right it can run itself.

Mishra

All the companies I've worked for at 1000 users + has a networking team.

As with most company, the larger the company gets then the more specialized you become. If you are going into a place that asks for Windows/Linux/Cisco experience then you are looking to be support or everything IT.

NOCs also are a good place to start out for networking experience.

nel

Mishra wrote:

All the companies I've worked for at 1000 users + has a networking team.

As with most company, the larger the company gets then the more specialized you become. If you are going into a place that asks for Windows/Linux/Cisco experience then you are looking to be support or everything IT.

NOCs also are a good place to start out for networking experience.

i work at a place now where we have over 2000 users in our division alone but we have no network specialist and it looks like they dont want one either. they rely on a small team of specialists at our parent company.

Ive found trouble finding NOC positions in my area - and its a capital city! i dont know what it is but there doesnt seem to be much about at the moment