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 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.

• Responsible for the coordination of OSP projects and/or supervision of consultants who are responsible for coordinating 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.
• If needed, 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 are in place.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• 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) – OR – related Utility/Municipal Construction and/or Engineering – OR – Construction Project Management, Utility Installation Technician, General Trades experience preferred.
• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations and communications skills.
• Self‑directed and ability 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 written and oral communications skills.
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills.
• Working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
• Understanding of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) design and construction techniques.
• Understanding of unit‑based construction contracts.
• Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. The…