Fiber Network Specialist: OSP Construction Lead

Network Specialist - OSP Construction
Location:

United States, Wisconsin, Jefferson

Salary:

$61,300.00 - $99,600.00 per year

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?

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 candidate works 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 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. They must stay current with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and ensure our construction is always in compliance. Depending on the area the role may also assist in the engineering of the OSP projects, creating labor, material, and overhead project estimates.

The role oversees numerous construction projects, possibly located in multiple locations, continually monitors costs and job progress to ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintains ongoing communication with various governmental agencies to protect the TDS OSP network from being jeopardized by proposed road improvements. Negotiation with municipalities or other utility companies may be required for the purchase, lease, 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 specified Wisconsin counties.

Responsibilities

Coordinate OSP projects and supervise consultants responsible for coordinating outside plant field construction and splicing operations.

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 mitigate asset transfer risk.

Assist in the engineering phase of projects, creating labor, material, and overhead cost estimates.

Provide audits of OSP projects and coach consultants and/or contractors to ensure accuracy and consistency, ensuring compliance with NESC and TDS OSP standards.

Review field personnel reports, contractor invoicing for accuracy, manage construction projects, review quality of work, clean up resolution, maintain documentation, and monitor progress.

Ensure the TDS OSP group complies with Sarbanes‑Oxley guidelines and other department requirements.

Conduct pre‑staking, pre‑bid and pre‑construction meetings; verify proper right‑of‑way, easements, permits, and designs for cable sizing and routing.

Verify that all required project documentation (bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, VMOPs, close‑out docs) is complete.

Adapt quickly to new GIS‑based construction tracking methods, new construction methods and rapidly changing architecture types.

Required Qualifications

Associate’s degree (or higher) or 2+ years of professional work experience.

2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking or 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.

Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

Other Qualifications

Ability to travel to construction sites daily as required.

Experience in OSP construction and/or engineering (fiber, copper, 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 communication 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 principles.

Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Project Management experience.

Excellent written and oral communication 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
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

Equal Employment Opportunity
At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We 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.

Pay Transparency
The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range:

$61,300.00 - $99,600.00 per year

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