Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

The Work

Network managers have overall responsibility for one or more computer networks.  Organisations often have several networks: for example, a local area network (LAN) within an office or department, and a wide area network (WAN linking all the organisation's branches across the country or worldwide.

Network managers instruct their staff to perform routine tasks, such as connecting new users to the network, issuing passwords and removing log-ins for staff that have left the organisation. They make sure the network is secure and only those with the appropriate authorisation can obtain access.  

An important responsibility is checking that regular back-ups are performed. At the end of the day (or overnight), all the current data on the network has to be saved onto a separate storage device, such as a magnetic disk or tape. This is kept in a secure place, well away from the main fileserver. In the event of an accident or network failure the following day, all data up to the previous night can be restored from the back-up.  
 
When there are problems with the network, computer network managers investigate and try to resolve them as quickly as possible. To do this, they may need to work with hardware and software suppliers and specialist agencies such as Internet access providers. Computer network managers are also involved in re-sourcing and forward planning, including updating network hardware and software in accordance with the organisation's current and predicted needs.  
 
Managers may also have to visit other offices and sites, for example, when installing or updating network hardware and software. Computer network managers typically supervise a small team of network administrators, technicians and support workers. They have an in-depth knowledge of computer systems, as well as business knowledge and some program.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Analyse equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
• Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.

Further Information

• Network Administrator - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Network engineers/ administrators often start out in ICT support roles and then progress to the position of network engineer.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship ICT/ Software and Tech development & support Comptia skills NFQ level 5 courses Search FET courses

FET Centre Post leaving cert Computer and Network Technician, Computer Networking, Computer Networks and Systems, ICT Networking (Pre-Apprenticeship), Pre-University Computing, Networks & Software Systems NFQ level 5-6 PLC Course search

Ecollege Online ICT skills & programming courses 

Apprenticeship Route

FIT - ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer is an IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector. FIT ICT AP is a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award, More

Higher Education CAO entry A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges. Relevant subject areas include: Computer science, information technology, engineering and computer-related fields 

Professional Development 

Springboard courses ICT sklills coversion courses NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses 

Post graduate study: Information & Network Security, Engineering - Computer Engineering, management courses at NFQ level 9 

ICT Skillnet 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar /Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Azon

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The negative average annual employment growth rate over the five-year period for this occupation is partly related to changes in the LFS in 2017; however, employment has declined annually since 2020. Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and held third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (41% compared to 19% nationally).

Despite the decline in employment, over 3,500 new employment permits were issued in 2022 across a range of roles including IT analysts/engineers (cloud, security, systems, network, test), There was a high volume of mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for network/security and site reliability engineers while vacancies for software testers were cited as difficult to fill by employers in the Skills for Growth data, particularly for those with cybersecurity, cloud computing and HTML skills. The number of online job adverts declined by 12% in 2022, predominantly due to the fall in postings for systems analysts which alone accounted for nearly half the total decline in ICT job postings in 2022.

Despite falling employment numbers, strong demand remains evident across the indicators in key areas such as network/cloud and security engineering. The move to remote working since the onset of the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, have increased the prevalence of cybersecurity threats39 with demand for these skills likely to persist. The fall in online vacancy advertisements indicates a slowing in demand but shortages remain, at least in the short-term.

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Software Association

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here