What does a systems administrator lead do?
A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.
Systems administrator lead responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems administrator lead resumes:
- Manage all Citrix user connections and issues, print network, server environment and supplies.
- Manage printers on the print servers and re-serve IP addresses for devices from the DHCP servers.
- Manage software development group SharePoint portal.
- Save company many hours of manual testing and developing by engineering Java applications to automate tedious tasks.
- Manage development, manufacturing, test and delivery of custom broadband RF electronic test systems for military and aerospace customers.
- Perform day-to-day management of system applications and services (NTP, DNS, LDAP, etc .).
- Experience with OSD and MDT within SCCM as well as MDT stand-alone deployments.
- Used system center configuration manager (SCCM) for all equipment that are scheduled for delivery.
- Configure and maintain DNS servers for the internal network as well as the public DNS for the corporation.
- Test new applications for compatibility with the GE image prior to deployment using VMWare and other virtualization software.
- Perform tasks as the backup SAN administrator performing such task as provisioning storage including masking and zoning the brocade switch.
- Maintain the design and modification of specialize Intranet services, e-mail gateway switches, and training in specialize software applications.
- Configure and troubleshot TCP/IP connectivity issues.
- Direct remote site OS upgrades including localization implementation.
- Strengthen team effectiveness by providing Linux training to new-hires.
Systems administrator lead skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Systems Administrator Leads are proficient in Linux, Project Management, and Windows Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Multitasking skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Administrator Leads that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Linux, 6%
Implemented a local repository for RedHat Linux updates to reduce external network traffic and speed-up system patching operations.
- Project Management, 6%
Performed Project Management assignments related to the development, analysis, modification, tracking, and implementation information processing standards.
- Windows Server, 5%
Monitored all Windows servers in the environment to verify that critical and security operation system patches were installed.
- System Performance, 5%
Developed measurements to determine optimal application/system performance.
- Technical Support, 5%
Managed and trained ADPE technician team to ensure exceptional customer service including maintaining images and providing technical support.
- Database, 5%
Coordinate the processing of complaints, investigate and communicate findings to internal and external customer.- Manage the Calibration Record database.
Common skills that a systems administrator lead uses to do their job include "linux," "project management," and "windows server." You can find details on the most important systems administrator lead responsibilities below.
Multitasking skills. The most essential soft skill for a systems administrator lead to carry out their responsibilities is multitasking skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." Additionally, a systems administrator lead resume shows how their duties depend on multitasking skills: "organized work flow while multitasking, critical thinking and solved technical issues troubleshooted and resolved network connectivity issues. "
Analytical skills. Many systems administrator lead duties rely on analytical skills. "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change.," so a systems administrator lead will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems administrator lead responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "secured and maintained critical public health data stored on external scsi arrays and an emc clarion. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for systems administrator leads to perform their duties. For an example of how systems administrator lead responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a systems administrator lead: "support to project management and construction, including proposals for adequation on telecommunications, systems and security. ".
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what systems administrator leads do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to systems administrator lead responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical systems administrator lead tasks: "worked with project manager to develop a plan for the implementation of an emc disc solution. "
The three companies that hire the most systems administrator leads are:
- Deloitte102 systems administrator leads jobs
- Lockheed Martin36 systems administrator leads jobs
- Leidos12 systems administrator leads jobs
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Compare different systems administrator leads
Systems administrator lead vs. Lead systems engineer
A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between systems administrator leads and lead systems engineer. For instance, systems administrator lead responsibilities require skills such as "system performance," "microsoft windows," "network infrastructure," and "itil." Whereas a lead systems engineer is skilled in "systems engineering," "architecture," "infrastructure," and "system design." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Lead systems engineers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $123,397. Comparatively, systems administrator leads tend to make the most money in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $103,205.The education levels that lead systems engineers earn slightly differ from systems administrator leads. In particular, lead systems engineers are 8.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a systems administrator lead. Additionally, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems administrator lead vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, systems administrator lead responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project management," "system performance," "dod," and "itil." Meanwhile, an information technology administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "troubleshoot," "vmware," and "computer system." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Information technology administrators earn a lower average salary than systems administrator leads. But information technology administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,678. Additionally, systems administrator leads earn the highest salaries in the telecommunication with average pay of $103,205 annually.In general, information technology administrators achieve similar levels of education than systems administrator leads. They're 3.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for systems administrator leads in the next 3-5 years?
David Groshoff
Systems administrator lead vs. Systems engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a systems administrator lead is likely to be skilled in "microsoft windows," "itil," "web servers," and "netapp," while a typical systems engineer is skilled in "python," "c++," "c #," and "java."
Systems engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $96,218. On the other hand, systems administrator leads are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $103,205.systems engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to systems administrator leads. Specifically, they're 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems administrator lead vs. Senior network administrator
Senior Network Administrators provide system and network solutions for their organizations. They supervise the functioning of networking equipment and follow strict maintenance standards.
Types of systems administrator lead
Updated January 8, 2025
