Network Specialist - OSP Construction

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations.
• Supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects.
• Work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors for TDS Telecom Network Services to ensure the needs of the company are being met.
• Implement fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards established for the Telecom Network Services.
• Stay current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure construction is always in compliance with NESC standards.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, involving creation of labor, material, and overhead project cost estimates.
• Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, clean up resolution, proper maintenance of project documentation, and continual review of project progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines and other 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 that proper right-of-way, easements, and permits are obtained and designs for proper cable sizing and facility routing.
• Ensure completion of documentation required to complete projects successfully, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close out documentation.
• Adapt quickly to new GIS-based construction tracking methods, new construction methods, and rapidly changing architecture types.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree (or higher) – OR – 2+ years of professional work experience
• 2+ years of experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking – OR – 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.
• Maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communications skills.
• Self-directed and able to work independently.
• ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, Spatial analysis or other GIS experience.
• Proficient working in a digital environment.
• Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills.
• Working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
• Understanding of Fiber to The Home (FTTH) design and construction techniques.
• Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints.