About the position
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? This position must reside within 50 miles of Mooresville, NC and involves reporting to the TDS office or our customer sites approximately 50%, the other work hours can be performed remotely. In the Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Construction role, you will provide outside plant project support for a geographic area, along with analytical preparation of records, statistics and reports relating to OSP functions. This will also include, but not be limited to support for outside plant engineering (OSPE) and/or construction (OSPC) efforts. You are responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending upon workload you may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. You are expected to 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 are also expected to 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 be required to assist in the engineering of the OSP projects. This involves, among other things, creating the labor, material, and overhead project estimates. You are expected to oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations. You will continually monitor costs and job progress to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget. You will also be responsible for ongoing communication with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements and may be required to negotiate with municipalities or other utility companies from a network and a legal perspective for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete fiber networks.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the coordination of OSP projects and/or supervision of consultants who are 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 ensure that the company is not at risk in any asset transfers.
- Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates.
- Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- 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 designs for proper cable sizing and facility routing.
- Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully is complete.
- Adapt quickly in an ever-changing environment to new GIS based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.
- Examine project documentation related to outside plant functions to ensure data completeness and accuracy.
- Provide support to engineering and construction personnel by collecting and verifying data required to complete outside plant engineering and construction tasks.
- Perform office administrative functions.
Requirements
- Associate's Degree (or higher) OR 2+ years' professional work experience.
- 3+ years' experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and insurance.
Nice-to-haves
- Fiber optic implementation experience.
- Excellent leadership, customer relations and communications skills.
- Self-directed and ability to work independently.
- ESRI ArcGIS, AGOL, Spatial analysis, or other GIS experience.
- Ariba and SAP experience/knowledge.
- Proficient working in a digital environment.
- Understanding of Telecommunications industry and 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 in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
- Understanding of Fiber to The Home (FTTH) design and construction techniques.
- Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints.
- Telecommunications experience.
Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
- Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
- Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
- Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
- Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
- TDS Service Discounts (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
- Education Assistance (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
- Paid Volunteer Time (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
