Overview

The Network Specialist - Outside Plant Engineering & Construction is expected to assist in the creation of OSP Design maps using GIS. They will have to understand numerous projects, possibly located in multiple locations and states.  They will continually monitor design costs and monitor job progress to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.  The individual filling this position is responsible for continually working with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS outside plant network from being jeopardized by permitting requirements or proposed road improvements. They may be required to negotiate with municipalities, other utility companies from a network and a legal perspective for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete networks.

 

This position will work closely with our sales organization as well as Field Services. It will also have an emphasis on ROW, Easement and Pole Attachments and will interact with members of Net Ops Compliance as well as working with communities on their permit ordinances.

 

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

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design of OSP projects and/or supervision of consultants who are responsible for coordinating 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. He/she must work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities placed and interact with the legal department to ensure that the company is not at risk in any asset transfers. If needed, assist in the engineering phase of projects. This involves creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates.
• Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency.  The audits will ensure compliance with National Electrical Code standards and current TDS OSP standards.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Manage projects by reviewing quality of work, clean up resolution, proper maintenance of project documentation and continual review of project progress. 
• Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including Bid Jobs, build orders, Job Start Agreements, VMOP’s and close out documentation is complete.
• Create and perform analysis on network designs for the OSP teams utilizing GIS tools and extensions.  Provide the data back for the OSP teams to use in strategic decisions, AD’s and HLDROM’s.
• Partner with Regional OSP Engineering (OSPE) members on engineering of network builds within GIS.
• Assist in training OSPE members on the use, functions and tools within GIS
• Review data for impacts to builds (e.g.: Road moves)
• Create processes and tools for mobile use of GIS for data collection and consumption.
• Provide technical leadership in evaluating current GIS products being offered on the market and provides recommendations for upgrades and changes in methods of practice for TDS. Includes application upgrades and data sources

Qualifications

Required Qualifications  

• Associate Degree (or higher) –OR– 2+ years professional work experience 
• 2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking -OR- 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance 

 

Other Qualifications 

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily is required and based on business needs 

• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber or copper or coax) – OR -related Utility/Municipal Construction and/or Engineering - OR - Construction Project Management, Utility Installation Technician, General Trades experience preferred 

• Fiber optic implementation experience 

• Excellent leadership, customer relations and communications skills 

• Self-directed and ability to work independently 

• ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, Spatial analysis or other GIS experience 

• Proficient working in a digital environment 

• Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously 

• Project Management experience 

• 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 

• Understanding of Unit based construction contracts 

• Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints 

 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. The associate is required to constantly walk, stand, and be active throughout the worksite. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. May be required to balance or climb. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

  

This position requires working outdoors, in mechanical/equipment rooms, and possible extreme weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

 

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

 

Pay Transparency

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.