Network Specialist I – OSP Construction in Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Careers at TDS Corporate

In the Network Specialist I – OSP Construction 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, the Construction Coordinator may be required to assist in the engineering of the OSP project. This involves creating the labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

As a Network Specialist – OSP Construction, 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.

Candidates must reside within 45 minutes of Eau Claire, WI; Altoona, WI; or Chippewa Falls, WI.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS(R)) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to more than 1,000 rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities across the U.S. With 1.2 million connections, TDS is a rapidly growing technology company. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 2 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visittdstelecom.com.

• 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. He/she 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. He/she must verify that proper right-of-way, easements and permits are obtained and designs for proper cable sizing and facility routing. Making sure that proper close.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

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

Other Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Telephony/CATV or related fields.
• 3 + years OSP Construction experience of Fiber and Coax in the Telecommunications industry.
• 3 + years fiber optic implementation experience
• Excellent leadership, customer relations and communications skills
• Thorough Understanding of Telecommunications/CATV industry and principals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communications 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

Benefits

As a part of your total compensation, #TDS provides a comprehensive, competitive benefit package. This benefit plan addresses both the immediate and long-term needs that you and your family may have. For an overview of what we have to offer for full-time employees including vacation, health benefits, and retirement options, please click here.

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by law. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!