Network Specialist - OSP Construction

TDS Telecommunications LLC; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Job summary

TDS Telecom seeks a Network Specialist - OSP Construction to coordinate, plan, and supervise outside plant field construction and splicing across multiple locations. You will work with network operations, managers, consultants, design engineers, and contractors to keep projects on track and compliant with NESC standards.

The role requires driving on-site travel, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt to GIS-based tracking and evolving construction methods.

Qualifications

• Associates degree (or higher) OR 2+ years of 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for field construction and splicing.
• Provide technical support for special projects like major road moves or on-net builds.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to ensure asset accounting and risk mitigation.
• Assist in engineering phase by creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.
• Audit OSP projects and coach contractors for accuracy and compliance with NESC and OSP standards.
• Review field reports and contractor invoices for accuracy; manage project progress and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and cross-department alignment.
• Lead pre-staking, pre-bid, and pre-construction meetings; secure ROW, easements, and permits.
• Verify documentation for project completion (bids, build orders, start agreements, VMOPs).
• Adapt to GIS-based tracking methods and evolving construction techniques.

Skills

Voice networking

Data networking

Video networking

Leadership

Communications

Education

Associates degree or higher

2+ years professional work experience

Valid driver's license

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS

ArcGIS Online (AGOL)

GIS analysis

Job description

Overview

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?

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 - 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 OSP Constructionmay 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 - 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. This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

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.
• Provide technical support for special request projects such as major road moves or potential on-net builds.
• The successful candidate 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 NESC 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. The successful candidate 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, VMOPs and close out documentation is complete.
• Adapt quickly in an ever-changing environment to new GIS based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree (or higher) -OR- 2+ years of 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.

Other Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitation professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that