Network Specialist II

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

A Network Specialist II is a highly technical position responsible for completing complex, medium to large network design, engineering, configuration, and operational tasks and projects with minimal supervision on TDS’s combined voice/video/data network infrastructure. This position provides subject matter expertise in a number of network technologies, interacts significantly with vendors, and mentors other team members. A Specialist II proactively improves processes and standards.

This role performs duties in one of the following Network Operations functional areas:

• Network Infrastructure Planning
• Network Engineering
• Data Network Engineering
• Technology Development
• Operational Readiness
• Network Translations
• Circuit Design
• Network Design
• Configuration Management
• Advanced Technical Support
• Service Activation

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ states in which TDS Telecom operates.

Responsibilities

• Understand and follow established processes, completing assigned work in accordance with quality measures to plan, engineer, implement, optimize, or operate TDS’s combined voice/video/data network infrastructure.
• Use quality improvement techniques and drive team process/standards improvement.
• Mentor co-workers on essential TDS network technologies, processes, network equipment, and products.
• Utilize vendor contact in accordance with TDS contractual obligations and initiate appropriate vendor use.
• Grow technical skills related to TDS’s network infrastructure through self-training, formal classes, and coaching.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) or 4+ years of professional experience.
• 4+ years’ experience in voice/data/video networking.

Technical Other Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the following areas and subject matter expertise in multiple technologies and their inter-workings:
• Broadband and narrowband access technologies including (but not limited to) POTS, xDSL, T1, DS3, PRI, BRI, WiFi, WiMAX, PON, OCX.
• Transport technologies including (but not limited to) SONET, ATM, Ethernet, POS, DWDM, WDM.
• Voice switching technologies including legacy TDM and softswitch technologies.
• TCP/IP technologies including (but not limited to) routing and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), subnetting, multicast, tunneling, bridging, MPLS, IP quality of service, traffic engineering, VoIP, and IPTV.
• Power concepts associated with AC and DC power equipment and HVAC implementations in both cabinet and building applications.
• Customer premises equipment including (but not limited to) routers, PBX, handsets, set-top boxes, home wiring concepts.

Skills

• Ability to coordinate/lead a small cross-functional group to resolve specific network issues.
• Manage changing priorities for yourself and others, handling several complex network tasks concurrently with minimal assistance.
• Work with diverse individuals, teams, and customers, understanding your role and how your work supports team goals.
• Take the lead to resolve complex issues and escalate when appropriate.
• Expert knowledge of internal processes and tools.
• Ability to work within a changing environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Good presentation skills, including the ability to present technical concepts to project teams and management.
• Proficiency in business and office applications such as spreadsheets, database applications, word documents, network drawing tools, basic network applications (telnet, FTP client, FTP server), and basic Unix tools.
• Ability to make timely decisions.
• Positive attitude and team focus.

If you meet the required qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the other qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Research shows many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the necessary skills and experience.

Benefits

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

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• 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 will have the opportunity to participate in Associate Resource Groups, designed to encourage community and facilitate 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: $81,000.00/year - $131,600.00/year