Network Specialist - 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

In this role, you are responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations and states. Depending upon workload, you may supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of projects. You will work closely with representatives from Network Operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure company needs are met.

You will implement fiber and HFC networks while conforming to TDS outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, ensuring compliance with NESC codes. Depending on the area, you may assist in engineering OSP projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates. You will oversee multiple construction projects, monitor costs and progress, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

You will work with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from proposed road improvements and negotiate with municipalities and utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, or complete networks.

This position offers a work-from-home arrangement, though a significant portion of time will be spent in the field within the Laurel, Lockwood, or Billings, Montana area, with occasional travel to other territories. The ideal candidate will reside within 20 miles of Laurel, Lockwood, or Billings for in-market support.

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 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 National Electrical Code standards and TDS OSP standards.
• Review field personnel reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects by reviewing work quality, resolving clean-up issues, maintaining project documentation, and monitoring progress.
• Ensure TDS OSP group 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 project documentation, including Bid Jobs, Build orders, Job Start Agreements, VMOP’s, and close-out documentation, is complete.

Requirements

• Associate degree (or higher) –OR– 2+ years of professional work experience.
• 2+ 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.
• 2+ years of experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) – OR – related Utility/Municipal Construction, Engineering, Construction Project Management, Utility Installation Technician, or General Trades 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.
• Ability to read and interpret FTTH construction prints.

If you meet the required qualifications but are unsure about the other qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Research shows candidates often hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria, but relevant skills and experience can come in many forms.

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 pay range for this role is $61,300.00 – $99,600.00 per year. Actual offers will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may include additional compensation such as bonuses or equity awards.