Telecom Construction Project Specialist

Telecom Construction Project Specialist I

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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 Telecom Construction Project Specialist I to join us in our Michigan market. In this role, 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 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 met.

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

As a Telecom Construction Project Specialist I, you will oversee multiple construction projects (potentially in multiple locations). You will monitor costs and progress to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery. You will maintain ongoing communication with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from road improvements 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 from a network and legal perspective.

Work Schedule: Hybrid position with in-office and field work. You will work from home 2 days a week and report to offices in Augusta, MI or Perry, MI 3 days a week. Travel within 50 miles of the area for in-market field support may be required. Ideal candidates reside within 50 miles of Perry, Lansing, or Augusta, MI, to be available for in-market support and travel.

• 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 projects (e.g., major road moves or potential on-net builds). Work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities and interact with Legal to manage asset transfers. Assist in the engineering phase when needed and develop labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants/contractors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review field reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Manage projects by reviewing quality, cleanup, documentation, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, and coordinate with Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights-of-Way, and Contract Administration. Conduct pre-staking, pre-bid, and pre-construction meetings as required. Verify rights-of-way, easements, and permits; design for proper cable sizing and routing. Ensure proper close of projects.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete projects (bid jobs, build orders, start agreements, VMOPs, close-out documentation) is complete.
• Adapt to GIS-based construction tracking methods and new construction methods and architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree (or higher) – OR – 2+ years professional work experience
• 3+ years’ experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking - OR - 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance

Other Qualifications

• Fiber optic implementation experience
• Excellent leadership, customer relations and…