Network Specialist - OSP 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. Ready to make an impact?

Our Network Services team has an exciting opportunity for a Network Specialist – OSP Construction to join us in our Helena, Montana market! As a Network Specialist – OSP Construction you will coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending on workload you may supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase. You will work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure that the company’s needs are met.

You will implement fiber networks while conforming to TDS OSP guidelines and standards. You must stay current with NESC and ensure construction compliance. You may also assist in engineering of OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates. You will oversee numerous construction projects, monitoring costs and progress to maintain on‑time, on‑budget delivery. You will communicate with governmental agencies and may negotiate with municipalities or other utilities for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, and/or complete fiber networks.

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

This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist – OSP Construction (2025‑28435) or Network Specialist I – OSP Construction (2025‑28438) level depending on the skills and qualifications. Different postings exist for each level. Please reference each posting for the minimum qualifications required and submit an application for each level you are interested in and qualified for.

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for coordinating 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 with the legal department to mitigate asset‑transfer risk. Assist in the engineering phase, creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants and contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency, ensuring compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review all reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, cleanup resolution, proper documentation, and continuous progress reviews.
• 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, verify right‑of‑way, easements, permits, and designs for proper cable sizing and routing.
• Verify all required documentation to complete projects, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out documents.
• Adapt quickly in changing environments to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods and evolving 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 of TDS Telecom technical internship experience.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communication skills.
• Self‑directed and able 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…