Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Construction

About the role

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage cutting‑edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities and are dedicated to excellence. As a Network Specialist I – Outside Plant Construction you will coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. You will work independently with network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure company needs are met, stay current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and may assist in engineering OSP projects by creating labor, material, and overhead estimates. The role requires monitoring costs and progress to keep projects on time and within budget, and communicating with governmental agencies and utilities regarding right‑of‑way, easements, and asset transactions. Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Cedar City, Saint George, or Hurricane, Utah.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for outside plant field construction and splicing operations across multiple locations and states.
• Provide technical support for special‑request projects such as major road moves or potential on‑net builds.
• Work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities placed and with Legal to mitigate asset‑transfer risks.
• Assist in the engineering phase by creating labor, material, and overhead project cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants/contractors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review field personnel reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, clean‑up resolution, maintaining documentation, and monitoring progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinate with Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights‑of‑Way, and Contract Administration.
• Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid, and pre‑construction meetings as required.
• Verify acquisition of proper right‑of‑way, easements, permits, and design appropriate cable sizing and facility routing.
• Confirm completion of all documentation required for project close‑out, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out documents.
• Adapt to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, construction techniques, and evolving architecture types.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (or higher) – OR 2+ years of professional work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in voice, data, or video networking.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
• Fiber‑optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer‑relations, and communication skills.
• Self‑directed with ability to work independently.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, spatial analysis, or other GIS tools.
• Proficiency in a digital work environment.
• Understanding of telecommunications industry principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Project‑management experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word‑processing skills.
• Working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse work groups.
• Understanding of Fiber‑to‑the‑Home (FTTH) design and construction techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret FTTH construction prints.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Seven paid national holidays plus one floating holiday.
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment).
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability (for associates working 30 + hours/week).
• TDS service discounts.
• Education assistance.
• Paid volunteer time.
• Access to Associate Resource Groups for community building and professional development.

Pay

Pay range: $70,500 – $114,500 per year (base salary). Actual offers will consider skills, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies.