Network Specialist - OSP Construction

Network Specialist - OSP Construction

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

Company: TDS Telecom

Pay Range: $61,300.00 - $99,600.00

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?

Our Network Services team has an exciting opportunity for a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction
. In this role, you will coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending on workload, you may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. You will work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers and construction contractors to ensure the needs of the company are met.

You will be responsible for the implementation of fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards, staying current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensuring construction compliance. Depending on the area you may assist in engineering the OSP projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

As a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction
, you will oversee numerous construction projects, monitor costs and progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintain ongoing communication with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network. You may also negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies for the purchase, lease, or sale of inner ducts, fiber, and/or complete fiber networks.

To support in-market needs and travel requirements, the preferred candidate will reside in, or be within reasonable commuting distance of, Birmingham, Alabama;
Huntsville, Alabama;
Rome, Georgia; or Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This position can be hired as Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction ) or as Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Construction ) depending on skills and qualifications. Separate postings outline the minimum requirements for each role. Please review both postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified and interested.

• Coordinate OSP projects and/or supervise consultants responsible for outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations and states.
• 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.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency, ensuring compliance with NESC standards and TDS OSP standards.
• Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
• Manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, cleanup resolution, proper maintenance of project documentation, and continual review of project progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and coordinate with departments such as Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights‑of‑Way, and Contract Administration.
• Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid, and pre‑construction meetings as required and verify that proper right‑of‑way, easements, permits, cable sizing, and facility routing designs are obtained.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete projects—bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close‑out documentation—is complete.
• Adapt quickly to an ever‑changing environment with new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, new construction methods, and rapidly changing architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree (or higher) - or 2+ years…