- #2281
Job Overview
- Exploration and production
- Oil and Gas Services
- Pipelines
- LNG
- Oil sands
- Post-secondary degree
About This Career
Computer Network Administrators have a solid understanding of how computers work. They can fix small and large problems. They are the backbone of their oil and gas company because they oversee the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of all the computer and network systems.
The oil and gas industry is a highly digitized workplace. Numerous kinds of networks are used ranging from networks of computers and printers within one building to complex operational networks linking automated equipment, to connecting computers across the globe.
A Computer Network Administrator installs, configures, and supports a company’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), including internet systems or specific segments of a network system. These networks are increasingly wireless. Computer Network Administrators support system users, including troubleshooting users’ computer or network issues and may perform maintenance to address these issues.
Computer Network Administrators usually work in teams within large companies but may be the sole IT/network expert in a smaller company.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Maintaining networks, computer workstations and other connected equipment such as printers
- Helping users solve problems
- Controlling and monitoring e-mail use, internet navigation and installed software
- Troubleshooting, repairing and administering local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the Internet and peripheral equipment
- Evaluating and installing computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and software applications
Education
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field is typically required.
Certification
- Some employers require applicants to become trained or certified for a specific type of network environment
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) / Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- There may be a preference for certification/experience with Java, VB.Net, JavaScript, XML, PL/SQL
Licensing
- The title Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. An IT practitioner does not have to be registered if they do not refer to themselves as an Information Systems Professional.
Additional Requirements
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
Computer network administrators are often working on several projects and problems at the same time, so they need to be organized. They also have strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow them to explain technical information to non-technical people.
- Clerical
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Cyber/Data Security
- Understanding Risk
- Equipment Maintenance
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Troubleshooting
- Collaborative
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining and quarrying
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail Trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Administrative and support
- Waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Public administration
Similar careers also exist in the following industries
- Agribusiness
- Construction
- High Technology
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Military
- Petrochemical Manufacturing
- Renewable Energy/Clean Technology
- Supply Chain
Related Careers in Oil & Gas
Also known as
- Information Systems Manager
- Information Technology Specialist
- LAN Specialist
- Local Area Network Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Network Coordinator
- Network Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Computer Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Help Desk Support
News Item
Computer Network Administrator Spotlight
PostedComputer Network Administrators have a solid understanding of how computers work. They can fix small and large problems. They are the backbone of thei...
Continue reading