Network Specialist - OSP Construction

Overview

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. Ready to make an impact? Our Network Services team has an exciting opportunity for a Network Specialist - OSP Construction to join us in our Butte, Montana market.

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

You will be responsible for implementing fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards established for the Telecom Network Services. You will stay current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure compliance. Depending on the area, you may assist in the engineering of OSP projects, including creating labor, material and overhead project estimates.

As a Network Specialist - OSP Construction
, you will oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations. You will monitor costs and job progress to ensure 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, and may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete fiber networks.

The ideal candidate will reside within 30 miles of Butte, Montana to be available for in‑market support and travel.

This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist - OSP Construction ) or Network Specialist I - OSP Construction ) level depending on skills and qualifications. Please reference each posting for minimum qualifications required and submit an application for each level you are interested in and qualified for.

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants 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. Work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities placed and interact with the legal department to reduce asset transfer risk. Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project cost estimates.
• Conduct audits of OSP projects and coach consultants or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency, ensuring 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 compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and other 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 and designs for proper cable sizing and facility routing.
• Verify completion of all required documentation including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs and close‑out documentation.
• Adapt quickly to an ever‑changing environment with new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.

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