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What does a systems specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a systems specialist do

Systems specialists are professionals who maintain, troubleshoot, and install information and computer systems. They identify the software, data, and hardware needs of companies. Generally, they work in physically demanding indoor environments installing complicated networks. They manage, lead, and coordinate technical support for new software, upgrades, and products. Also, they configure systems for the users and assess data from different sources to make a decision.

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Systems specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems specialist resumes:

  • Manage the coordination and resolution of mainframe job failures.
  • Complete VMWARE infrastructure course lead by certify VMWARE trainer, which cover all aspects of VMWARE installation and support.
  • Manage the implementation, installation and maintenance of EMR software and hardware systems for mid-size home health care organization.
  • Manage the infrastructure implementation and statewide roll-out for MIIS, including prioritization of electronic health record (EHR) provider sites.
  • Lead project implementation of global HRIS performance management system.
  • Manage customer complaints and internal GMP audits for product manufacturing, coordinate FDA audits and recommend corrective actions.
  • Determine requirements and technical specifications, evaluate PC desktop hardware and ISP services, and solicit resource bids
  • Coordinate the implementation of an EMR system.
  • Maintain Linux server and SQL databases for custom applications.
  • Monitor SLA [service level agreement] for all tickets.
  • Review and analyze application systems, including testing, debugging and installing.
  • Maintain the DB2 database tables, governing endorsement forms printing and attachment logic.
  • Install, inspect and maintain Cisco switches, routers, and access points.
  • Develop data analytics and custom SQL solutions to solve business problems and drive efficiency.
  • Organize team members to resolve outages and high priority tickets within SLA time limits.

Systems specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Systems Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Veterans, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.

We break down the percentage of Systems Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 10%

    Developed an automated refund project for customer refunds that resulted in an increased efficiency for Accounts Payable and Customer Service Departments.

  • Veterans, 8%

    Analyzed Veterans Health Administration directives and policies for local facility compliance.

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Maintained and used automated test equipment to troubleshoot and repair all instrument related systems, autopilot and navigational computers.

  • Technical Support, 6%

    Created tailored data solutions and technical support for a user base of 10k analysts using advanced methodology and data visualization software.

  • Patients, 5%

    Conducted, documented, and updated psychological evaluations on incoming patients and patient charts.

  • Project Management, 4%

    Project Management of Major projects/Automation/Relocation/Hardware/Software/Network Gear/Circuit Upgrades and roll-outs.

Common skills that a systems specialist uses to do their job include "customer service," "veterans," and "troubleshoot." You can find details on the most important systems specialist responsibilities below.

Customer-service skills. The most essential soft skill for a systems specialist to carry out their responsibilities is customer-service skills. This skill is important for the role because "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Additionally, a systems specialist resume shows how their duties depend on customer-service skills: "manipulated focus programs and excel spreadsheets to create graphs, powerpoint's for field sales that used them for customer presentations. "

Listening skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling systems specialist duties is listening skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." According to a systems specialist resume, here's how systems specialists can utilize listening skills in their job responsibilities: "established guidelines and performance expectations for staff, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. "

Speaking skills. systems specialists are also known for speaking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems specialist responsibilities, because "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." A systems specialist resume example shows how speaking skills is used in the workplace: "prepared and presented monthly and quarterly strategic measures reports and presentations utilizing microsoft excel and microsoft powerpoint. "

Writing skills. A big part of what systems specialists do relies on "writing skills." You can see how essential it is to systems specialist responsibilities because "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical systems specialist tasks: "provided third party customer support, cost analysis and technical writing to enhance customer service. "

Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for systems specialist responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of systems specialists all the time, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." An excerpt from a real systems specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a systems specialist does: "develop ms application based solution such as excel / word / powerpoint templates. "

See the full list of systems specialist skills

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Compare different systems specialists

Systems specialist vs. Information technology specialist

An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.

The annual salary of information technology specialists is $4,779 lower than the average salary of systems specialists.Even though systems specialists and information technology specialists are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between systems specialists and information technology specialist. For instance, systems specialist responsibilities require skills such as "veterans," "patients," "project management," and "hvac." Whereas a information technology specialist is skilled in "database," "system software," "switches," and "peripheral equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Information technology specialists tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $84,905. In contrast, systems specialists make the biggest average salary, $91,431, in the manufacturing industry.information technology specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than systems specialists. In fact, information technology specialists are 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Systems specialist vs. Application support specialist

An application support specialist's role is to utilize their technical expertise in responding to inquiries and addressing issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and effectively. They may communicate with clients through calls or correspondence, even arrange appointments when necessary. Moreover, one may work as a member of a company or independently. As an application support specialist in a company setting, it is essential to coordinate with different department personnel, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

A career as a application support specialist brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a systems specialist. In fact, application support specialists salary is $4,200 lower than the salary of systems specialists per year.A few skills overlap for systems specialists and application support specialists. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," and "technical support. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems specialist resumes. While systems specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "veterans," "patients," "project management," and "hvac," application support specialists use skills like "application support," "java," "application issues," and "strong problem-solving."

On average, application support specialists earn a lower salary than systems specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, application support specialists earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $98,607. Whereas systems specialists have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $91,431.application support specialists earn similar levels of education than systems specialists in general. They're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems specialist vs. Telecommunications specialist

A telecommunications specialist is responsible for designing and implementing communication networks and computer systems in companies, ensuring quality and efficiency. It is their duty to develop installation plans, oversee networks and systems activities, study the feedbacks of clients and consumers, and develop systems according to the company's needs. They must also maintain logs and records, presenting progress reports regularly. Furthermore, as a telecommunications specialist, it is essential to keep an active communication line with the workforce for a smooth workflow.

An average telecommunications specialist eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of systems specialists. The difference in salaries amounts to telecommunications specialists earning a $33,308 lower average salary than systems specialists.Using the responsibilities included on systems specialists and telecommunications specialists resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "troubleshoot," "management system," and "dod.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, systems specialists are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "veterans," "technical support," and "patients." But a telecommunications specialist is more likely to have skills like "telecommunication," "switches," "telephone systems," and "communications equipment."

Telecommunications specialists earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $65,603. Comparatively, systems specialists have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $91,431.Most telecommunications specialists achieve a similar degree level compared to systems specialists. For example, they're 4.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems specialist vs. Technical support specialist

A technical support specialist is responsible for assisting customer's and businesses' concerns and system issues by performing troubleshooting and remote solutions. These specialists must have extensive knowledge of system applications, including software and hardware database to handle complex processes that might affect the end user's experience or the business' daily operations. Technical support specialists should maintain excellent communication skills to guide the client and business on solving network problems. They must also document concerns and progress promptly for reference and quality checks.

Technical support specialists typically earn lower pay than systems specialists. On average, technical support specialists earn a $37,353 lower salary per year.While both systems specialists and technical support specialists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between systems specialists and technical support specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a systems specialist might have more use for skills like "veterans," "patients," "project management," and "hvac." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of technical support specialists require skills like "math," "phone calls," "desk support," and "post sales. "

In general, technical support specialists earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $60,838. The highest-paying industry for a systems specialist is the manufacturing industry.technical support specialists reach similar levels of education compared to systems specialists, in general. The difference is that they're 4.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of systems specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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