Network Specialist

TDS Telecom•, Remote Location

21h•Remote

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? As a Network Specialist, you will play a key role in the design and delivery of Outside Plant (OSP) fiber networks. In this role, you will support the creation of OSP design maps using GIS tools while managing multiple projects across various locations and states. You will monitor design costs, track project progress, and ensure initiatives are completed on time and within budget. You will be responsible for designing fiber network solutions aligned with TDS OSP guidelines and Telecom Network Services standards. The role requires strong collaboration skills, as you will work closely with network operations, associate managers, and external consultants to meet company objectives. Depending on workload, you may also oversee consulting resources during the engineering phase and ensure quality and consistency of deliverables. In this role, you will bring experience reading and interpreting civil engineering plans and a solid understanding of road construction methods, along with hands-on experience working with aerial telecommunications facilities. You will have working knowledge of pole loading analysis software such as LoadCalc, Osmose (O-Calc), or Katapult is highly valued.A Professional Engineering (PE) license or the ability to obtain one is preferred but not required. This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates. Minimal travel may be required to complete in-field verifications. This position can be hired at a Network Specialist (2026-29283), Network Specialist I (2026-29284) or Network Specialist II (2026-29285) 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's 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.
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
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 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
Telecommunications experience

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of pole loading analysis software such as LoadCalc, Osmose (O-Calc), or Katapult is highly valued.
A Professional Engineering (PE) license or the ability to obtain one is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Interpret civil engineering plans for road construction projects and apply an understanding of road construction methods to analyze the plans for conflicts with telecommunications structures and facilities.
Responsible for the design of OSP projects in multiple locations and states. This may involve: Creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates.
Provide technical support for special request projects such as major road moves or potential on-net builds.
Reviewing data for impacts to builds (e.g. Road moves)
Utilize GIS tools to design network builds within a GIS platform, often partnering with other OSP Engineering (OSPE) associates.
Supervision of consultants who are responsible for designing projects in multiple locations and states.
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, Architecture Designs (AD) and High-Level Designs (HLDROM).
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.
Create project documentation related to outside plant functions. Ensure data completeness and accuracy.
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.
Assist in training OSPE members on the use, functions and tools within GIS.
Provides support to engineering and construction personnel by collecting and verifying data required to complete outside plant engineering and construction tasks.