Network Specialist - OSP Construction

Network Specialist - OSP Construction at TDS Telecommunications LLC

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 – OSP Construction to join us in our Missoula, Montana market.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising 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 for TDS Telecom Network Services to ensure that the needs of the company are being met.

You will be responsible for the implementation of fiber networks while conforming to existing TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards established for the Telecom Network Services. You’ll stay current with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure our construction is always in compliance with NESC standards. Depending on the area, you may assist in the engineering of the OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

As a Network Specialist – OSP Construction you’ll oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations, continually monitor costs and job progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. You will also communicate with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements and may negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete fiber networks.

The ideal candidate will reside within 30 miles of Missoula, Montana to be available for in‑market support and travel.

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for outside plant field construction and splicing operations across multiple locations and states; provide technical support for special requests such as major road moves or on‑net builds; work with Finance to ensure proper accounting of facilities and with the legal department to mitigate risks in asset transfers; assist in the engineering phase and create labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.
• Review required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy; manage construction projects by reviewing quality of work, clean‑up resolution, proper maintenance of documentation, and continual review of project progress.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and with other departments such as Network Operations, Network Planning, Rights‑of‑Way and Contract Administration; conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid and pre‑construction meetings; verify right‑of‑way, easements, permits and designs for proper cable sizing and routing.
• Verify all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs and close‑out documentation.
• Adapt quickly in an ever‑changing environment to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.

• Associate Degree (or higher) – or – 2+ years of professional work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking – or – 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

• Fiber optic implementation experience.
• Excellent leadership, customer relations and communications skills.
• Self‑directed and ability to work…