Outside Plant Construction Specialist

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.

This position offers opportunity to telecommute from a home office; however, due to required in‑market support, individuals must reside within a 70‑mile radius of Eau Claire, WI.

The Outside Plant Construction Specialist I is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending upon workload, this person may need to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. The successful candidate works 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.

They implement fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS OSP guidelines and standards. They stay current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure construction complies. They may assist in engineering of the OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply). Depending on skills and qualifications, the candidate can be hired at the Outside Plant Construction Specialist, 2025‑28269 level or at the Outside Plant Construction Specialist I, 2025‑28270 level. Separate job postings outline the minimum requirements for each role. Please review both postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified and interested.

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants who coordinate outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations.
• 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 ensure that the company is not at risk in any asset transfers.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects. This involves creating labor, material, and overhead 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.
• Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid and pre‑construction meetings as required. 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Excell…