Outside Plant Construction Specialist

Overview

Outside Plant Construction Specialist I

Job Location s: US-WI-Eau Claire | US-WI-Menomonie | US-WI-Chippewa Falls | US-WI-Fall Creek | US-Remote Location

Pay Range: $69,100.00 - $ per year

The position offers the opportunity to telecommute from a home office; however, due to required in-market support, individuals must reside within a 50-mile radius of Eau Claire, WI.

The Outside Plant Construction Specialist I 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 candidate will work with representatives from network operations, associate managers, consultants, design engineers, and construction contractors to ensure company needs are met while implementing fiber networks in conformance with TDS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and standards.

The role requires staying current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensuring construction remains in compliance with NESC standards. Depending on the area, the candidate may assist in the engineering of OSP projects, including labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.

Note:

This position can be hired at Network Specialist, Network Specialist I, or Network Specialist II levels depending on skills and qualifications of the candidate. Separate postings outline minimum requirements for each role; please review 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.
• 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 Legal to manage asset transfers risk.
• Assist in the engineering phase of projects, including creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency. Audits ensure compliance with NESC standards and current TDS OSP standards.
• Review field reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy; manage construction projects by assessing work quality, cleanup resolution, and maintenance of project documentation and progress.
• Ensure 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 as required; verify rights-of-way, easements, and permits are obtained and designs have proper cable sizing and routing.
• Verify all documentation for project completion, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, and close-out documentation.
• Adapt to new GIS-based construction tracking methods, new construction methods, and evolving architecture types.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree (or higher) OR 2+ years of professional work experience
• 3+ years of experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel to construction sites daily as required by business needs
• Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber, copper, or coax) or related Utility/Municipal Construction and/or Engineering or Construction Project Management
• Fiber optic implementation experience
• Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communications skills
• Self-directed and able to work independently
• GIS experience (ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, Spatial analysis) or equivalent
• Proficient in a digital work environment
• Understanding of Telecommunications industry principles
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Project Management experience
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills
• Working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse work groups
• Understanding of FTTH design and construction techniques
• Understanding of unit-based construction contracts
• Ability to read FTTH construction prints

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write, and operate a computer and standard office equipment. Tasks involve frequent movement around the worksite, climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally. The role may occur outdoors and in mechanical/equipment rooms with exposure to extreme weather and moving equipment.

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This position may involve outdoor work, work in mechanical rooms, and exposure to weather conditions and heavy…