Network Specialist I – Outside Plant Engineering

TDS Telecom

86d • $69,100 - $112,300

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? In the Network Specialist I – Outside Plant Engineering role, you are expected to assist in the creation and interpretation of fiber optic, CATV, and copper/DSL Outside Plant Design maps using primary GIS based mapping software, while referencing Auto Cad and/or Lode Data software. You will have to understand, interpret, and track progress for numerous projects concurrently in your work queue. In this position, you will continually monitor design costs of completed projects to help improve future project costing. You will be responsible to participate in small group cross functional meetings and execute strategic growth in specific greenfield/brownfield builds in the assigned area. In addition, you will be required to interact with outside entities (e.g., Department of Transportation, developers, contract consultants) along with Outside Plant Construction associates to facilitate and monitor OSP design. In this position, you will work closely with our Outside Plant Construction, Field Services, and Right of Way (ROW) team on Easement and Pole Attachments (Make-Ready Processes) and will interact with members of the Net Ops Compliance team. This position has telecommute privileges; however, due to business need, travel, and customer support, individuals must physically reside within one of the following US states: Alabama, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, North Carolina, or South Carolina. This position can be hired at a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Engineering (2025-28120) or Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Engineering (2025-28121) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. 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.

Requirements

• Associate degree (or higher) –OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
• 3+ years experience in Voice/Data/Video networking.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Familiar with Outside Plant Design and Construction methods and practices.
• Understanding of RUS units and standards with how they are applied.
• Experience with NESC rules.
• Pole Loading Analysis, Joint Pole ownership and use.
• Experience with One Touch Make Ready (OTMR).
• Utility coordination.
• Reading & providing utility plans for relocation.
• Developer plans.
• Power Company Joint Use plans.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate with Project Managers and adjacent teams in order to facilitate cost-effective construction of OSP facilities under advanced timelines.
• Responsible for the design of Outside Plant projects and/or supervision of consultants who are responsible for coordinating outside plant design in multiple locations and/or states.
• Creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates aka Bill of Materials.
• Provide Engineering support for Sales teams by fulfilling Outside Plant facilities verification requests, and high level Outside Plant Design costing exercises.
• Provide technical and strategic input in evaluating high level network design.
• Review all Outside Plant designed projects to ensure field services requested plan of action, ISP and Outside Plant solution are aligned and accurate.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete project handoffs, including as-staked design, contractor Cost estimates, Bill of Materials, ROW maps, Project funding is complete.
• Create and perform analysis on network designs for the Outside Plant teams to utilize for future project cost modeling.
• Partner with our Field Services and Outside Plant Construction (OSPC) members on engineering of network builds.
• Review data for impacts to builds (e.g., Road moves).
• Designs to be completed using our GIS tools and processes.
• Provide audits of Outside Plant projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency.

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)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees