Network Specialist - OSP Construction

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.

The Network Specialist - OSP Construction 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 will work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers and construction contractors for TDS Telecom Network Services to ensure the company’s needs are met.

The role includes implementation of fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards. The candidate must stay current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure construction is always in compliance. The position may also require engineering assistance, creating labor, material, and overhead estimates.

The specialist oversees numerous construction projects, monitors costs and progress to complete on time and within budget, and maintains ongoing communication with governmental agencies to protect TDS OSP from road improvements. The candidate may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, or complete fiber networks.

Suitable candidates will reside in or commute to one of the Wisconsin locations:
Madison, Fitchburg, Mineral Point, or Dodgeville.

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for field construction and splicing operations across multiple sites.
• Provide technical support for special request projects such as major road moves or potential on‑net builds.
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities placed and work with the legal department to minimize asset transfer risks.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants/contractors to maintain accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review field reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy, manage construction quality, documentation, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinate with Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights‑of‑Way, and Contract Administration.
• Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid, and pre‑construction meetings to verify right‑of‑way, easements, permits, cable sizing, and routing designs.
• Verify completion of all required documentation: bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out materials.
• Adapt quickly to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, new construction methods, and rapidly changing architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree (or higher) – OR – 2+ years of 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.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily as needed.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, 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 communication 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…