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. Ready to make an impact?

Note:

This position offers an 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 is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending on workload, this person may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. Success depends on working independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors for TDS Telecom Network Services to ensure that the company’s needs are met.

The candidate will implement fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, staying current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensuring compliance.

Depending on the area, the specialist may assist in the engineering of OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates. The specialist is expected to oversee numerous construction projects—potentially across multiple sites—monitoring costs and progress to ensure timely, on‑budget completion. Ongoing communication with governmental agencies is required to protect the TDS OSP network from proposed road improvements, and the specialist may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of ducts, fiber, or complete networks.

This position can be hired as Outside Plant Construction Specialist (2025‑28269) or Outside Plant Construction Specialist I (2025‑28270) depending on skills and qualifications. Separate postings outline the minimum requirements for each role; please review both postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified.

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for outside plant field construction and splicing operations.
• Provide technical support for special request projects such as major road moves or 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 of projects by creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants/contractors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy; manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, cleanup resolution, documentation maintenance, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and inter‑departmental coordination (Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights‑of‑Way, and Contract Administration).
• Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid, and pre‑construction meetings; verify that right‑of‑way, easements, permits, cable sizing, and routing designs are obtained.
• Verify that all documentation required for project success (bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, close‑out documentation) is complete.
• Adapt quickly to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, construction methods, and rapidly changing architecture types.

• Associate Degree (or higher) – or – 2+ years professional work experience.
• 2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking – or – 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily as needed.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) – or related Utility/Municipal Construction and/or Engineering – or Construction Project Management,…