Network Specialist I- Outside Plant Construction

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections.

About the role

The Network Specialist I - OSP Construction is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending upon workload, this person may supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of projects. The successful candidate will work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure company needs are met.

The role involves implementing fiber networks while conforming to TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, staying current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and ensuring compliance. Depending on the area, the specialist may assist in engineering OSP projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates. The position oversees multiple construction projects, monitors costs and progress, and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget.

The successful candidate will communicate with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from risks posed by road improvements and may negotiate with municipalities or utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, or complete fiber networks. Residency within an 80-mile radius of Mooresville, NC, is preferred to support in-market needs.

This position may be hired at either the Network Specialist - OSP Construction or Network Specialist I - OSP Construction level, depending on skills and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants responsible for outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations.
• 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 and interact with the legal department to mitigate risk in asset transfers.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants/contractors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC standards and TDS OSP standards.
• Review reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects by reviewing work quality, resolving cleanup issues, maintaining project documentation, and monitoring progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines and collaborate with departments such as Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights-of-Way, and Contract Administration.
• Conduct pre-staking, pre-bid, and pre-construction meetings as required.
• Verify proper right-of-way, easements, permits, cable sizing, and facility routing.
• Ensure all documentation (bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close-out documentation) is complete.
• Adapt to new GIS-based construction tracking methods, construction techniques, and evolving architecture types.

Requirements

• Associates 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily based on business needs.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) OR related Utility/Municipal Construction, Construction Project Management, Utility Installation Technician, or General Trades.
• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communication skills.
• Self-directed with the 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.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
• Working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse work groups.
• Understanding of Fiber to The Home (FTTH) design and construction techniques.
• Understanding of unit-based construction contracts.
• Ability to read and interpret FTTH construction prints.

If you meet the required qualifications but are unsure about alignment with other qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Research shows candidates often hesitate if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria, but relevant skills and experience can still lead to success.

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment).
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs.

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-term and long-term disability.
• TDS service discounts.
• Education assistance.
• Paid volunteer time.

All associates may participate in Associate Resource Groups designed to encourage community and professional development.

Pay

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range: $70,500.00/Yr. - $114,500.00/Yr.