In the Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction role, you will provide outside plant project support for a geographic area, along with analytical preparation of records, statistics and reports relating to OSP functions. This will also include, but not be limited to support for outside plant engineering (OSPE) and/or construction (OSPC) efforts.  You are responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending upon workload you may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. You are expected to work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers and construction contractors for TDS Telecom Network Services to ensure that the needs of the company are being met. You will be responsible for the implementation of fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards established for the Telecom Network Services. You are also expected to stay current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure our construction is always in compliance with NESC standards. Depending on the area, you may be required to assist in the engineering of the OSP projects. This involves, among other things, creating the labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

You are expected to oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations. You will continually monitor costs and job progress to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget. You will also be responsible for ongoing communication with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements and may be required to negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies from a network and a legal perspective for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete fiber networks.

The pay range listed for this position represents the low and high end of the base compensation range. The actual offer amount will carefully consider multiple factors, such as relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, location and/or competencies that align with the specified role.  Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses and equity awards. 

This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist (2024-24120) or Network Specialist I (2024-24121) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. Different job postings exist for each of these positions. Please reference each job posting for the minimum qualifications required for each role. 

This is a hybrid position, with approximately 80% of working hours spent in the field. The remaining 20% of working hours may be spent working remotely or in a TDS office. Individuals must reside within a commutable distance of Missoula, Montana.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Metrocom/TDS) is a leading provider of fiber internet service. With more than 50 years of experience, the communications company is building and deploying new, fiber optic networks in neighborhoods across the country to deliver up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds to homes and up to 10 Gigabit internet speeds to businesses. In addition, TDS provides innovative TV entertainment and advanced phone services. Visit tdsfiber.com to learn more.  

Responsible for the coordination 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. The successful candidate 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 NESC standards and current TDS OSP standards

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 that the TDS OSP group complies with Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines and other departments such as Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights-of-Way and Contract Administration. This position requires the conducting of pre-staking, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings as required.  The successful candidate must verify that proper right-of-way, easements, and permits are obtained and designs for proper cable sizing and facility routing.

Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs and close out documentation is complete

Adapt quickly in an ever-changing environment to new GIS based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types

Examine project documentation related to outside plant functions. Ensure data completeness and accuracy.  

Provides support to engineering and construction personnel by collecting and verifying data required to complete outside plant engineering and construction tasks.

Perform rudimentary office administrative functions

Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree (or higher) OR 2+ years' professional work experience
• 2+ years' experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.

Other Qualifications

• 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
• Ariba and SAP experience/knowledge
• 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
• Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints
• Telecommunications experience

Do you meet all of the Required Qualifications, but aren't sure if your experience meets the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that some candidates may not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications, when, in fact, they have the skills and experience to be successful in the role!  Experience and skills come in many different forms and may not always look identical to what we have on paper, but still lead to success in the role. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have what it takes to be successful in the position, apply today! 

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits such as vacation (15 days accrued per year for full-time; pro-rated for part-time associates working between 20-39 hours), sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates), seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday, paid parental leave (2 weeks after 12 months of employment), among others.  Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability coverage is also available for associates working 30 or more hours per week and Education Assistance is available to full-time associates.  Associates scheduled to work under twenty hours per week or for a limited term (i.e. interns) are eligible for medical coverage, the 401(k) plan (if 18 or older), as well as sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates). For more detail on the benefits we offer click here.

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and 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. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!