Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction

Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction

Join to apply for the Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction role at TDS Telecommunications LLC

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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?

As a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction
, you will coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing operations across multiple locations. You may supervise consulting resources in engineering and/or construction phases, work with network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure company needs are met. You will implement fiber networks while conforming to TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, maintain compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and may assist in engineering the OSP projects—including labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

You will oversee numerous construction projects, monitor costs and progress, communicate with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network, and negotiate with municipalities and utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, or complete fiber networks.

This position can be hired at either the Network Specialist I or Network Specialist level, depending on skills and qualifications. Separate postings outline the minimum requirements for each role.

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants responsible for field construction and splicing across multiple locations and states.
• 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 Legal to mitigate asset‑transfer risks.
• Assist in the engineering phase, 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 reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects, reviewing quality of work, clean‑up resolution, and documentation progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinate pre‑staking, pre‑bid, and pre‑construction meetings.
• Verify right‑of‑way, easements, and permits and design appropriate cable sizing and routing.
• Confirm completeness of documentation (bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, close‑out).
• Adapt to GIS‑based construction tracking, new construction methods, and evolving architecture types.

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

• Ability to travel to construction sites approximately three days per week.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) or related Utility/Municipal Construction.
• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communication skills.
• Self‑directed and able to work independently.
• ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, spatial analysis or other GIS experience.
• Proficient in a digital environment.
• Understanding of telecommunications industry and principals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Project Management experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills.
• Knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards.
• Cooperative and courteous 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.

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we…