Network Systems Administrator
Salary: £35,712 - £41,541 / year
Application Deadline: 25 November 2025
Department: Computer Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Graig Campus
About the Role
Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion are at the forefront of digital transformation in Further and Higher Education — and we’re looking for a talented Network Systems Administrator to join our forward‑thinking IT team. At Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, we don’t just keep the network running — we drive innovation, enable learning, and connect communities across West Wales. Our IT infrastructure spans seven campuses with a 10 Gbps backbone network, cutting‑edge cloud integration, and a fully virtualised environment.
As a Network Systems Administrator, you’ll be at the centre of this digital ecosystem, designing, developing, and safeguarding the systems that keep our staff and students connected, secure, and inspired. If you’re a hands‑on problem solver who thrives on challenge, creativity, and technology, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide 3rd line quality support for hardware and software, troubleshooting faults quickly and efficiently.
* Accurately log all problems/requests on the college helpdesk system.
* Manage helpdesk calls, resolve faults, and implement change requests.
* Take ownership of user problems and be proactive when dealing with user issues.
* Conduct internal and external network, server, application, device, web and mobile technology vulnerability scans and security reviews.
* Design, develop, program and unit‑test software applications and systems within the overall architecture.
* Develop and support custom scripts to automate system‑administration tasks, including backups, log monitoring and application deployment.
* Install, configure and support new hardware and software applications.
* Monitor and develop the college network infrastructure continuously.
* Perform daily maintenance and problem resolution, operating‑system patches, software upgrades and routine hardware configuration.
* Stay current with the latest technologies and security trends, making recommendations for future upgrades.
* Create and maintain system documentation and specifications.
* Assist in the transition of newly developed applications to support staff.
* Continually develop the college network and systems to enhance the experience of staff and students.
* Ensure the Computer Services department has an adequate disaster recovery and cyber‑security plan, including testing of processes and procedures.
* Design, develop and integrate the current and new college systems.
* Provide technical expertise, advice and guidance on all aspects of design and technology within your remit.
* Install, rack, cable and configure server and network hardware, ensuring secure, organised and reliable data‑centre environments.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Criteria
* Academic qualifications: BTEC HNC/HND in an IT related subject and/or professional qualifications in Microsoft/Microfocus or Linux environments.
* Relevant experience and practical knowledge of IT at work.
* Experience with network and system management applications and tools.
* Experience liaising with 3rd‑party hardware and software suppliers.
* Knowledge of current trends in cyber security and experience implementing security measures.
* Solid understanding of networking concepts including TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, routing and switching, wireless networking and network security.
* Solid understanding of installing, configuring and supporting server operating systems including Linux and Windows.
* Proven experience installing software applications and automating the process.
* Demonstrable knowledge and experience in problem, error and knowledge management analysis, resolution and delivery techniques.
* Experience supporting wired and wireless network infrastructure.
* Analytical approach to problem solving.
* Ability to problem‑solve, alone or within a team.
* High degree of self‑motivation.
* Diplomacy and tact.
* Excellent customer support skills.
* Excellent telephone manner.
* Hands‑on approach and willingness to learn new skills.
* Commitment to positive teamwork and client service, promoting a positive image of the Computer Services department.
* Show initiative for new technologies and apply logic and good problem‑solving skills to new problems.
* Demonstrate initiative for complex problems or scenarios.
* Plan, schedule and monitor own work to meet customer requirements.
Desirable Criteria
* Fluency in Welsh.
* Experience with the BGP routing protocol.
* Experience with Identity management systems.
* Experience managing a virtual infrastructure.
* Ability to understand, update and write command‑line scripts using PHP and Bash.
Welsh Language Requirements
* Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking): Level 0/1 Desirable
* Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading): Level 0/1 Desirable
Persons are welcome to apply for posts in Welsh and applications made in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
Benefits
* 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days, totaling 41 days per year (plus an additional 4 days after 5 years service).
* Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20 %.
* Award‑winning professional learning and development programme.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Free on‑site car parking.
* Online and in‑store retail discounts.
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