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. 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 across multiple locations. You may supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of projects. You will work independently with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure the company’s needs are met. You will be responsible for implementing fiber networks while conforming to TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards, staying current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements, and ensuring compliance with NESC standards.

Depending on the area, you may assist in the engineering of OSP projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates. You will oversee numerous construction projects, possibly across multiple locations, continually monitoring costs and job progress to ensure timely, on‑budget completion. You will also communicate with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from jeopardy due to proposed road improvements and may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies from a network and legal perspective for the purchase, lease, and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber, and/or complete fiber networks.

To support in‑market needs and travel requirements, the preferred candidate will be based in Montgomery or Dothan, Alabama. The candidate can also reside in Columbus, Georgia or Meridian, Mississippi.

This position can be hired at a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Construction (2026‑28851) or Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Construction (2025‑28856) level depending on your skills and qualifications. Separate job 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 coordinating 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.
• 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 design for proper cable sizing and facility routing.
• 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 of experience in…