Network administrators usually work in an office environment. They are able to access networks remotely and look after systems that are located in another room or building. However, they may be required to travel to other sites to provide IT support. They may provide face to face or phone-based desktop support to computer users within the organisation. They may be required to work evenings and weekends to perform major system upgrades or resolve system faults.

Network administrators use a variety of computer hardware and software. They must be familiar with a range of operating systems and programs commonly used on the computer systems that they look after, such as Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange or SQL Server Management Studio. They also work with printers and photocopiers connected to the IT system. They may also back up data to external hard drives, minimising data loss in cases of system failure.