Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction

About the role

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. As a Network Specialist – Outside Plant Construction you will coordinate, plan, and supervise outside‑plant field construction and splicing operations across multiple locations. You will work independently with network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to implement fiber networks in compliance with TDS OSP guidelines, standards, and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). The role may also involve assisting in the engineering phase of OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead estimates, and negotiating with municipalities or utility companies for rights‑of‑way, duct, or fiber acquisitions. The ideal candidate will reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Cedar City, Saint George, or Hurricane, Utah to provide in‑market support and travel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants responsible for outside‑plant field construction and splicing operations in 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 interact with Legal to mitigate asset‑transfer risks.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead 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 work quality, clean‑up resolution, maintaining documentation, and monitoring progress.
• Ensure the TDS OSP group complies with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinates 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, and permits, and ensure designs meet cable sizing and routing requirements.
• Confirm completion of all project documentation, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out paperwork.
• Adapt quickly to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, construction techniques, and evolving architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree (or higher) – OR 2+ years professional work experience.
• 2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

Other Qualifications

• Experience in OSP construction and/or engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) – OR related utility/municipal construction and/or engineering – OR construction project management, utility installation technician, or general trades (preferred).
• Fiber‑optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer‑relations, and communication skills.
• Self‑directed and able to work independently.
• ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, spatial analysis, or other GIS experience.
• 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.
• Understanding of unit‑based construction contracts.
• Ability to read and interpret FTTH construction prints.

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 receive:

• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

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

Pay

Pay range: $61,300 – $99,600 per year (base salary). Actual offers consider skills, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies; additional compensation such as bonuses or equity may be offered.