Network Specialist II - OSP Construction

TDS•Madison, WI

16h•Hybrid

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? The Network Specialist II - OSP Construction is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations. Depending upon workload this person may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. The successful candidate is 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. The successful candidate 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. The successful candidate is 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, the Network Specialist II - OSP Construction 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. The Network Specialist II - OSP Construction is expected to oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations. The successful candidate will continually monitor costs and job progress to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget. The successful candidate is also 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. To support in-market needs, the ideal candidate will reside in or be within a reasonable commuting distance of one of the following Wisconsin locations: Madison, Fitchburg, Mineral Point, Dodgeville. This position can be hired at a Network Specialist - OSP Construction (2026-29420), Network Specialist I - OSP Construction (2026-29421) or Network Specialist II - OSP Construction (2026-29422) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. Separate job postings outline the minimum requirements for each role. Please review all postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified and interested.

Requirements

Bachelor degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
4+ years’ experience in Voice, Data or Video networking.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel to construction sites daily is required based on business needs
Experience in OSP Construction and/or Engineering (fiber or copper or coax) – OR -related Utility/Municipal Construction and/or Engineering - OR - Construction Project Management, Utility Installation Technician, General Trades experience preferred
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
Proficient working in a digital environment
Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals
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
Understanding of Unit based construction contracts
Ability to read and understand FTTH construction 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.
If needed, assist in the engineering phase of the projects. This involves creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates.
Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency. The audits will ensure 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.