What a network administrator does
A network administrator manages the infrastructure that connects your people, devices and systems. That includes configuring switches, routers and firewalls, maintaining Wi-Fi and VPN access, monitoring traffic and performance, segmenting networks for security and connecting branch offices. They also plan upgrades, manage vendors and internet providers, and are often the first person called when users report that everything is slow or unreachable.
A poorly managed network leads to outages, security gaps and slow systems that affect every department. A skilled administrator documents the network, applies changes carefully and spots problems before users notice. Finch screens network administrators for hands-on experience with the equipment and vendors you use, their approach to security and change control and their ability to troubleshoot under pressure when a connection or site goes down.
Typical responsibilities
- Configure and maintain switches, routers, firewalls and wireless access points
- Manage VPN, remote access and connections between office locations
- Monitor network performance and investigate outages and slowdowns
- Apply firmware updates and security patches to network devices
- Maintain network diagrams, IP address plans and change records
- Work with internet providers and equipment vendors on service issues
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma or degree in networking, computer systems or a related field
- Experience with equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Aruba or Juniper
- Strong understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, DNS and DHCP
- Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are often listed, with CCNP more common for senior roles
- Familiarity with network monitoring tools and basic scripting is often an asset
Who hires a network administrator
- Multi-site businesses such as retailers, clinics and distribution companies
- Hospitals, school boards and municipalities
- Managed service providers and network integrators
- Manufacturers with connected plant equipment
- Financial services firms
Where we recruit network administrator candidates
We fill network administrator roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Hands-on experience with your network vendors and equipment
- Troubleshooting approach, tested with a scenario such as a branch office losing connectivity
- Security practices for firewall rules, remote access and network segmentation
- Documentation and change control habits
- Availability for maintenance windows and after-hours emergencies if required
Interview questions to ask
- Users at one office say the network is slow, but only in the afternoon. How do you find the cause?
- How would you separate guest Wi-Fi, staff devices and payment terminals on the same network?
- Tell me about a network change that went wrong. How did you recover?