SYSTEMS & NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

SYSTEMS & NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR The Systems & Network Administrator ensures the reliability, security, and performance of the hospital’s digital infrastructure. This role is responsible for the operation and maintenance of servers, network systems, Wi-Fi, firewalls, and cybersecurity tools.

Job Title:                     Systems & Network Administrator

Reports to:                  Information Technology Manager

Direct Reports:           None

Department:               Information Technology

Internal Laison:          Support Clinical, Administrative, and Operational Staff.

External Laison:          IT Vendor Suppliers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs) &                                           Telecom Carriers, Cloud Service Providers, Cybersecurity & SOC Vendors, Equipment                                                       Manufacturers

Job Summary:

The Systems & Network Administrator ensures the reliability, security, and performance of the hospital’s digital infrastructure. This role is responsible for the operation and maintenance of servers, network systems, Wi-Fi, firewalls, and cybersecurity tools. It includes oversight of backups, data recovery, system updates, and migration projects. The administrator plays a critical role in maintaining 24/7 system availability and responds to outages or technical disruptions as part of the hospital’s on-call support structure.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Safety and Risk Management

• Own the deployment and maintenance of cybersecurity tools including firewalls, antivirus, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encryption solutions.

• Conduct quarterly cybersecurity audits using the NIST framework and implement remediation measures.

• Ensure all systems adhere to data protection and access control protocols.

2. Emergency Preparedness

• Support disaster recovery plans and ensure business continuity through resilient IT practices.

• Provide after-hours on-call coverage for emergency outages and mission-critical service disruptions.

• Conduct regular data restore testing and validation to ensure recovery readiness.

3. Quality Improvement

• Ensure optimal network performance, high system uptime, and rapid incident resolution.

• Apply updates and security patches to all system components according to hospital policy.

• Perform capacity planning analyses and recommend infrastructure upgrades to meet projected demand.

4. Communication and Coordination

• Collaborate with software and hardware vendors to optimize system integration and deployment.

• Serve as the technical escalation point for advanced systems and network issues.

• Support helpdesk staff and end-users in resolving complex technical issues.

• Coordinate with Facilities, Maintenance, and Security teams to ensure appropriate environmental controls and physical security for server rooms and network closets.

5. Documentation and Information Management

• Maintain change logs and configuration documentation.

• Lead and document data migration projects including EHR and storage transitions.

• Administer local and cloud-based backup systems; ensure adherence to backup schedules and integrity of stored data.

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of hardware assets, software licenses, and warranty information.

6. Support Services and Environment

• Configure, manage, and monitor physical and virtual servers, switches, wireless access points, and firewalls.

• Monitor hospital Wi-Fi coverage and troubleshoot connectivity issues to ensure consistent access across clinical areas.

7. Staff Competency and Development

• Develop and deliver periodic training sessions on cybersecurity best practices for hospital staff.

• Ensure training aligns with healthcare regulations (e.g., data protection laws, patient privacy standards) and organizational policies.

Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Certified) strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in IT system and network administration, preferably in a healthcare environment.
• Familiarity with virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), enterprise firewalls, backup solutions, and cloud platforms.
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, particularly NIST, and system hardening best practices.
• Familiarity with data protection standards.
• Experience with incident response procedures and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to train technical and non-technical staff.

Working Conditions

• Work Location: Office-based, with regular visits to hospital departments for training and support.
• Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility during major system go-lives, upgrades, or incidents.
• Hours: Standard office hours, with flexibility to accommodate operational needs and occasional evening or weekend work during peak periods or special projects.
• Environment: Dynamic healthcare setting, high interaction with end-users and vendors.
• Equipment: Computers, application consoles, database management tools, software diagnostics tools.
• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods working on a computer; may involve walking between departments for on-site support.