Computer Network Administrator

Job Overview

Job Category

Business and Operations Support

Sectors

Education

Environment

Office only

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.