Outside Plant Construction Specialist

Outside Plant Construction Specialist I

Job Location s: US-WI-Eau Claire | US-WI-Menomonie | US-WI-Chippewa Falls | US-WI-Fall Creek | US-WI-Neillsville

Job :  | Company: TDS Telecom | Pay Range: $69,100.00 - $ | Sign‑On Bonus: $2,000

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 the 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 be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. The successful candidate is expected to work 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.

The candidate will implement fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, and stay current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to ensure compliance. This role may also involve assisting in the engineering of OSP projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

The specialist will oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations, continuously monitoring costs and job progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They will also maintain ongoing communication with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements and may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies from a network and legal perspective for the purchase, lease or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete fiber networks.

This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign‑on bonus! (Payout terms apply)

• 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 potential on‑net builds.
• Work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities and with the legal department to mitigate risk in asset transfers.
• 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 and consistency; audits must comply with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy; manage project documentation, quality, clean‑up resolution, and progress.
• Ensure the TDS OSP group complies with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinates with departments such as 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 facility routing designs are proper.
• Verify that all required documentation for project completion—bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out documentation—is complete.
• Adapt quickly to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily is required and based on business needs.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax);…