Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Engineering

TDS Telecom•, Remote Location

4d•$70,500 - $114,500•Remote

About The Position

The Network Specialist I - Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering role involves assisting in the creation of OSP Design maps using GIS, understanding diverse projects across multiple locations and states, and monitoring design costs and job progress to ensure timely and budget-compliant project completion. The position requires continuous engagement with governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from permitting requirements or proposed road improvements, and may involve negotiating with municipalities and other utility companies regarding network assets. The role also entails working independently with various internal teams and external consultants to meet company needs, and designing fiber networks in accordance with TDS OSP guidelines and standards.

Requirements

Associate degree (or higher) -OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
3+ years’ experience in Voice, Data or Video networking.
GIS, ESRI, ArcGIS and/or spatial analysis experience
Experience in Telephony or related fields
Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communication skills
Thorough understanding of Telecommunications industry and principles
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Excellent written and oral communication skills
PC database, spreadsheet, and word processing skills
Advanced working knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards
Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups
Ability to read and assess fiber and/or HFC designs and prints

Responsibilities

Responsible for the design 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 the projects, including creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates.
Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency, ensuring compliance with National Electrical Code standards and current TDS OSP standards.
Review all required reports from field personnel and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Manage projects by reviewing quality of work, clean up resolution, proper maintenance of project documentation and continual review of project progress.
Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including Bid Jobs, Build orders, Job Start Agreements, VMOP's, and close out documentation is complete.
Create and perform analysis on network designs for the OSP teams utilizing GIS tools and extensions. Provide the data back for the OSP teams to use in strategic decisions, AD's, and HLDROM's.
Partner with Regional OSPE members on the use, functions, and tools within GIS.
Review data for impacts to builds (e.g.: road moves).
Create processes and tools for mobile use of GIS for data collection and consumption.
Provide technical leadership in evaluating current GIS products being offered on the market and provides recommendations for upgrades and changes in methods of practices for TDS. Includes application upgrades and data sources.