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Useful experience for systems administrators includes work with computers or operating database management systems such as Cisco, Oracle or Microsoft.

Systems administrators may do some or all of the following:

• plan and develop computer operating systems and associated server hardware
• install and support operating systems
• write documentation of the systems
• ensure that storage, archiving, backup and recovery procedures work properly
• find and fix hardware and software problems
• test new systems, and commission and install new applications
• train people to use computer systems or organise training, particularly for new software.

Systems administrators who specialise as database administrators may do some or all of the following:

• design and build a database management system that stores an organisation's records
• write database documentation, including data standards, procedures and definitions
• monitor the growth of the database, and plan its capacity and security requirements
• monitor the performance and security of the database, and minimise the risk of the database failing or being hacked.

Systems administrators in demand

Demand for systems administrators is strong because organisations rely on computer systems and networks to operate effectively.

They need systems administrators to

• to develop, maintain and administer operating systems
• to prevent systems failing or being hacked, and to ensure backups and recovery procedures are in place.

Shortage of experienced systems administrators

There are not enough experienced systems administrators to meet demand. Nearly two thirds of IT employers report skills shortages, and there aren't enough information technology (IT) trainees.

As a result, database administrator, ICT security specialist and systems administrator (which are all types of database or systems administrators) appear on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list and will appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List from March 2024. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled systems administrators from overseas to work in New Zealand. 

According to the Census, 4,641 database and systems administrators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Systems administrators may work for a wide range of organisations, including:

• large computer firms
• local authorities such as city councils, and government departments
• private organisations with large computer networks
• internet and telecommunication providers.

IT Professionals NZ

0800 252 255 - info@itp.org.nz - www.itp.org.nz

NZ Tech

(09) 475 0204 - info@nztech.org.nz - www.nztech.org.nz

Systems administrators may progress into a range of other IT jobs such as IT architect, or move into supervisory or management roles.

Systems administrators can specialise in roles such as:

Computer Security Specialist

Computer security specialists establish, manage and administer IT security policies and procedures to minimise the risk of security threats, such as hacking, to an organisation's computer networks.

Database Administrator

Database administrators develop, configure, maintain and support database management systems in accordance with user requirements.

• Information technology architect job information
• Information technology manager job information

Systems administrators need to be:

• methodical and accurate
• good at problem solving and time management
• good at planning and organising
• adaptable and patient
• able to work well under pressure
• able to communicate well, as they need to relay complex information about computers in easily understood terms.