Network Operator

Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and intranet Web sites and Web-server hardware and software, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this unit group.

Typical Duties:

• Evaluates and installs computer hardware, networking software and operating system software;
• Operates master consoles to monitor the performance of computer and networks;
• Coordinates access to and use of computer networks by an organization’s staff;
• Loads disks and printer paper;
• Provides problem solving services to network users;
• Enters diagnostic commands in the computer to define the nature of the problem;
• Implements data, software and hardware security procedures;
• Records volume of daily transactions as well as the number of problems address and how they were resolved;
• Performs routine network start-ups and close-downs;
• Undertakes data back-up and disaster recovery operations.

Educational Requirements:

Two-year college program in computer engineering technology