Network Specialist - OSP Construction

TDS•Billings, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are hiring a Network Specialist - OSP Construction role in the Laurel, Lockwood, or Billings, Montana area. In this role, you are responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising outside plant field construction and splicing operations in multiple locations and states. Depending upon workload you may be required to supervise consulting resources in the engineering and/or construction phase of the projects. You will be expected to work closely 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 and HFC networks while conforming to existing TDS outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards established for the Telecom Network Services. You are expected to stay current with NESC codes and ensure our construction at all times is in NESC compliance. Depending on the area, you may be required to assist in the engineering of the OSP project. This involves creating the labor, material, and overhead project estimates. You are expected to oversee numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations and states. You will also continually monitor costs and job progress to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget. You will be responsible for continually working with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements. You may be required to negotiate with municipalities, other utility companies from a network and a legal perspective for the purchase, lease and/or sale of inner ducts, fiber and/or complete networks. This position offers a work-from-home arrangement; however, a significant portion of time will be spent in the field within the Laurel/Lockwood/Billings area, with occasional travel to other territories as needed to provide additional support. The ideal candidate will reside within 20 miles of Laurel, Lockwood or Billings, Montana in order to be available for in-market support and travel. This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist - OSP Construction (2026-29854) or Network Specialist I - OSP Construction (2026-29855) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. Different job postings exist for each of these positions. Please reference each job posting for the minimum qualifications required and submit an application for each level that you are both interested in and qualified for.

Requirements

Associate degree (or higher) –OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.
Ability to travel to construction sites daily is required based on business needs
2+ years’ 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
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
Ability to read and understand FTTH construction prints

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.
Must 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 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 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.
This position requires the conducting of pre-staking, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings as required.
Must 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, including Bid Jobs, Build orders, Job Start Agreements, VMOP’s and close out documentation is complete.