Outside Plant Engineering & Construction Specialist I - TDS Telecom

Overview

As a Network Specialist - OSP Engineering & Construction I role, you are expected to assist in the creation of OSP Design maps using GIS. You will have to understand numerous projects, possibly located in multiple locations and states. You will continually monitor design costs and monitor job progress to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. You will be responsible for continually working with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by permitting requirements or proposed road improvements. You 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.

You 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 can be hired at either a Network Specialist - OSP Engineering & Construction I (requisition ID 2024-23852), or a Network Specialist - OSP Engineering & Construction II (requisition ID 2024-23856) 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 and submit an application for each level that you are both interested and qualified for.

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. 

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.   TDS provides communications services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the United States. The company employs more than 3,400 people nationwide and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS Inc.) [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com  for more information.  

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. You 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 with in GIS.
• Assist in training OSPE members on the use, functions and tools with in GIS
• Review data for impacts to builds (eg: Roadmoves)
• 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.
• 3+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.

Other Qualifications

• GIS experience
• ESRi ArcGIS experience
• Spatial analysis experience
• Experience in Telephony or related fields
• Excellent leadership, customer relations and communication skills
• Thorough understanding of telecommunications industry and principals
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills
• Advanced working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups
• Ability to read and assess fiber and/or HFC designs and prints

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 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!

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)