Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction

Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction

Job Location s: US-AL-Birmingham | US-GA-Atlanta | US-TN-Chattanooga

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 – Outside Plant Construction is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside‑plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending on workload, this person may supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of projects. The successful candidate will zpr 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 role is responsible for implementing fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards. The successful candidate shall stay current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure construction compliance with NESC standards. Depending on the area, they may also assist in engineering OSP projects, creating labor,ктер, material, and overhead project estimates.

They will oversee numerous construction projects, monitor costs and progress to ensure Herald timely and within budget. They will also handle ongoing communication with various governmental agencies, negotiate with municipalities, and handle asset transfers.

Due to in‑market support needs, candidate must reside within 150 miles of Birmingham, Alabama. Position may include telecommute privileges from a home‑office, but requires regular onsite travel.

This position can be hired at a Network Specialist – Outside Plant Construction level ) or Network Specialist I – Outside Plant Construction ) depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate.

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants responsible for 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 mitigate risk in asset transfers.
• If needed, assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure compliance with NESC standards and TDS OSP guidelines.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy; manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, cleaning up resolution, and maintaining documentation.
• Ensure that the TDS OSP group complies with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinates with 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 are obtained.
• Verify that all required documentation (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.
• 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; travel based on business needs.
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) – or related Utility/Municipal Construction – or project management experience.
• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communication…