How to hire a lead network specialist

How to hire a lead network specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lead network specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a lead network specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lead network specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The lead network specialist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A lead network specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, lead network specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents lead network specialist salaries for various positions.

   Type of Lead Network Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Lead Network Specialist	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$34-66
   Network Internship	In a network internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a manager or supervisor. They typically perform support and beginner tasks, such as processing and organizing documentation, liaising with potential clients through calls and correspondence, greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and running errands... Show more	$12-19
   Network Engineer	A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs... Show more	$29-53

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Switches
   • NOC
   • Network Performance
   • Firewall
   • DNS
   • Juniper
   • Remedy
   • SLA
   • Level Agreements
   • Desktop
   • Network Security
   • Network Infrastructure
   • Tcp Ip
   • BGP

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Engineer and manage creation of co-registration Java modules for integration with Akamai streaming servers.
   • Provide support for T1, T3, DSL, LTE, WiMAX, VPN, CDMA.
   • Coordinate deployment and redeployment of PC's and SGI's.
   • Support for Cisco VOIP telephony system, and all relate infrastructure.
   • Maintain installation and testing of network servers, routers, and associate equipment.
   • Analyze Infoblox data to gather specific incident information regarding DHCP, DNS, and IP.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your lead network specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A lead network specialist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, lead network specialists' average salary in alaska is 45% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lead network specialists earn 48% less than senior-level lead network specialists.
   • Certifications. A lead network specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a lead network specialist's salary.

   Average lead network specialist salary

   $99,922yearly

   $48.04 hourly rate

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   Entry-level lead network specialist salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 13, 2026

4. Writing a lead network specialist job description

   A job description for a lead network specialist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a lead network specialist job description:

   Lead network specialist job description example

   Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America, has been in operation since 1997. Over the years, we have understood that not only do our people contribute to our success, but that they should share in that success. We provide all employees with a safe, honest, trustworthy, ethical, respectful and professional work environment. We believe in building friendly and personal long-term relationships by supporting our employees with ongoing training, continued growth and internal advancement while cultivating teamwork and diversity with a culture of inclusion from various experiences and backgrounds. Dedicated to providing security to our employees, we offer a comprehensive benefit program that includes, medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k), a retirement contribution (pension plan) and more.
   
   Join our team and help shape the present and future of North America's energy infrastructure with a career at Kinder Morgan.
   
   As a Specialist-Network Design Lead, your role is to ensure the stability and integrity of Kinder Morgan's data, Internet Protocol (IP) voice, IP video and wireless data services. This is achieved by planning, designing and developing Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) across the organization. In addition, Network Design Specialists participate with the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support and optimization of all network hardware, software and communication links. They will also analyze and resolve network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end user training where required.
   The Specialist-Network Design Lead will be responsible for completing basic tasks:
   
   Design, develop, install, integrate, manage, operate, and maintain hardware and software related solutions including LAN/WAN, terrestrial, radio, cellular, and satellite infrastructures for company data, voice and video networks. Configure networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes. Ensure network connectivity of all servers, workstations, IP telephony equipment and other network appliances. Analyze current network infrastructure, and plan and oversee enhancements or upgrades. Collaborate with management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term network capacity needs. Participate in managing all network security solutions, perform security audits, and equipment audits, backups and recovery. Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry and for beneficial incorporation into network. Monitor and troubleshoot network performance and provide reports and statistics when required. Perform network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information. Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services. Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery. Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records. Provide guidance for IT and telecommunication networks. Education
   
   Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is preferred but not required. A minimum of ten years direct work experience
   in computer or service provider networking may be considered a substitute for a degree.
   
   Required A minimum of five years direct work experience in computer or service provider networking is required. In-depth knowledge of routing protocols. Working knowledge of and experience with frame relay and provider MPLS-based networks (e.g., AT&T Private IP), Cisco Systems' IOS, Juniper Networks' JunOS, IPSEC VPNs, and SSL VPNs. Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Windows 7 and/or XP Personal Computer (PC) operating system(s). Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft applications including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint. Competence with network administration and testing tools including but not limited to Telnet, ping, trace route, and NSLookup. Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Must have well-developed organizational skills, be proficient in oral and written communications, and be able to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism. Must maintain a regular, dependable attendance and high level of performance. Must maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public. Use personal judgment and specialized knowledge to provide and safeguard confidential information. Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully. Preferred At least ten years of direct work experience in network engineering or designing and implementing networks. Experience working for a managed services provider or ISP/carrier as a tier 3/4 support engineer or architectural role on core infrastructure side. Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols and Internet standards, including Cisco Systems' entire product line, TCP/UDP, IP, ICMP, DNS, SNMP, OSPF, BGP, Ethernet, Verizon Private IP, xDSL, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IPSec, WLAN, content networking, and copper and fiber standards. Juniper experience is a plus. Working knowledge of and experience with network management and capacity trending tools, Cisco Secure ACS, packet capture/analysis (e.g., EtherPeek, Sniffer, or Wireshark). Experience and success with LAN, WAN and/or wireless LAN/WAN design and implementation. Experience with network capacity planning, network security principles, and general network management best practices. Knowledge of IP telephony systems. Network automation experience, preferably on Python. Proficiency in one or more of following: C/C++, Perl, Python, shell scripting Relational database management system (RDBMS) Juniper Networks certification(s) at the "Expert" level (JNCIE-ENT, JNCIE-SP). Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Professional" level (CCDP, CCNP, CCSP, CCVP). Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Expert" level (CCIE). ITIL v3 Foundation Good understanding of the organization's goals and objectives. Competencies/Skills Proven experience in network infrastructure design, installation, analysis, management, operation and troubleshooting. Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), focus attention on details, follow work rules and adhere to work schedules. Must be detail-oriented, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to effectively organize and prioritize daily work in a high-pressure environment, and maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to perform all essential functions of the job, and be able to perform multiple, high priority tasks concurrently with strict and often short deadlines. Must be self-motivated, and perform the required and expected duties with minimal supervision. Must possess good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization in a professional, diplomatic, and tactful manner. Ability to conduct independent research into networking issues and products as required. Must possess strong customer service orientation. Working Conditions Corporate Office - Cubicle Required to carry a company-provided cell phone/pager, and be available to respond during working and non-working (i.e. night/weekend) hours as needed. Non-working (i.e. night/weekend) hours availability for making system changes. Sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components. Lifting and transporting moderately heavy objects such as routers, switches, computers and peripherals. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers Supervisory Responsibility None
   KINDER MORGAN OFFERS: Competitive wages; job level and salary commensurate with experience and skill sets 401(k) Savings Plans Retirement Plan Comprehensive Medical/Rx and Dental Plans Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Bonus Program Paid Bus Pass or Parking Hybrid work schedules
   The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed.
   
   This position may perform other duties as assigned. Kinder Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
   
   EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right lead network specialist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your lead network specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit lead network specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit lead network specialists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a lead network specialist applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new lead network specialist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the lead network specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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