Network Specialist I - Route Acquisition

About the role

In this position as a Network Specialist I - Route Acquisition, you will be responsible for completing tasks related to securing and maintaining the legal rights of occupancy and use of real property/land and for facility colocation (joint trench, conduits, pole attachments, etc.), for the placement of TDS facilities and equipment in advance of construction. This includes preparing and securing permits (e.g., Utility Pole Attachments, Railroad Crossings, Federal, State, County, and Local), easements, rights of entry, and leases pursuant to requirements of law and TDS policy.

You will regularly interface (via email, phone, and in person) with internal teams/departments and externally with contractors, customers, property owners, government permit authorities, utilities, and railroads. This position offers telecommuting flexibility; however, preference may be given to candidates who reside in or within a reasonable commuting distance of Seattle, Olympia, or Tacoma, Washington.

Responsibilities

• Permits: Research requirements, communicate with permit authorities, attend meetings, occasional field work and travel, scope/estimate work, create tasks, work with professional service vendors to obtain data and studies, prepare applications, negotiate and submit fees, expedite and secure rights ahead of construction, update and closeout records, GIS databases and maps, manage annual requirements, payments, bonds, insurance, and reporting.
• Easements & Right of Entry Agreements: Research local requirements, scope/estimate work, ensure compliance with law and policy, negotiate with private property owner(s), obtain survey and legal description, prepare documents, secure signatures, notarize, ensure payment, public recording, and update records, GIS databases, and maps.
• Lease work: Assist with negotiation, alerts, payments, W9 issues, location issues, ownership changes, records research, phone calls, and document preparation.
• Other duties as assigned in support of achieving goals and objectives.
• Assist with Special Projects and Initiatives: Participate in committees, mandates, programs, customer-driven, and success-based projects.
• Assist with Operations: Vendor and risk management, metrics, reports, scheduling, communications, research, and customer service.

Requirements

• Associate degree (or higher) OR 2+ years of professional work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge of Real Estate Law, Land Surveying, Project Management, GIS, Telecommunications, Engineering, and Construction is desirable.
• Ability to quickly learn and comprehend complex work, responsibilities, assignments, customer requests, inquiries, notices, alerts, issues, project documents, details, standards, plans, and maps. Review them for completeness, risks, policy compliance, and determine scope of work, timelines, costs, and best practices for successful completion.
• Ability to own, organize, schedule, resource, track, update, report, communicate status, expedite, overcome obstacles, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously within cost, time, and quality expectations while working independently or with others.
• Ability to comprehend and support larger team and organizational goals through task prioritization, efficient time utilization, effective communication, and urgency in task throughput.
• Ability to build trusting, positive, and productive professional relationships with diverse individuals, addressing obstacles and negotiating fair solutions to secure facility placement rights quickly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software (Outlook, Excel, Word) required; familiarity with OneNote, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Access, Project, Clarity, Ariba, SAP, and AutoCAD is a plus.
• Experience with ESRI GIS Software to map records, maintain geodatabases, write Python scripts, build complex queries, tools, and maps is desirable.

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 qualifications, 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 & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

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

• Short-Term & 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.