Network Specialist 1

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?

In the Network Specialist I – Outside Plant Engineering role, you are expected to assist in the creation and interpretation of fiber optic, CATV, and copper/DSL Outside Plant Design maps using primary GIS based mapping software, while referencing Auto Cad and/or Lode Data software. You will have to understand, interpret, and track progress for numerous projects concurrently in upir work queue. In this position, you will continually monitor design costs of completed project to help improve future project costing.

You will be responsible to participate in small group cross functional meetings and execute strategic growth in specific greenfield \ brownfield build in the assigned area. In addition, you will be required to interact with outside entities (eg: Department of Transportation, developers, contract consultants) along with Outside Plant Construction associates to facilitate and monitor OSP design.

In this position, you will work closely with our Outside Plant Construction, Field Services, and Right of Way (ROW) team on Easement and Pole Attachments (Make-Ready Processes) and will interact with members of the Net Ops Compliance team.

This position has telecommute privileges, however, due to business need, travel, and customer support, individuals must physically reside within one of the follow US states: Alabama, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, North Carolina, or South Carolina.

This position can be hired at a Network Specialist - Outside Plant Engineering (2025-28120) or Network Specialist I - Outside Plant Engineering (2025-28121) 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.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate with Project Managers and adjacent teams in order to facilitate cost-effective construction of OSP facilities under advanced timelines.
• Responsible for the design of Outside Plant  projects and/or supervision of consultants who are responsible for coordinating outside plant design in multiple locations and/or states.
• Creating labor, material, and overheads project cost estimates aka Bill of Materials
• Provide Engineering support for Sales teams by fulfilling Outside Plant facilities verification requests, and high level Outside Plant Design costing exercises.
• Provide technical and strategic input in evaluating high level network design.
• Review all Outside Plant designed projects to ensure field services requested plan of action, ISP and Outside Plant solution are aligned and accurate.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete project handoffs, including as-staked design, contractor Cost estimates, Bill of Materials, , ROW maps, Project funding is complete.
• Create and perform analysis on network designs for the Outside Plant teams to utilize for future project cost modeling.
• Partner with our Field Services and Outside Plant Construction (OSPC) members on engineering of network builds.
• Review data for impacts to builds (e.g., Road moves)
• Designs to be completed using our GIS tools and processes
• Provide audits of Outside Plant 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 Outside Plant standards.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

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

Other Qualifications

• Technical:
  • Is familiar with the following areas and has a working technical knowledge in one or more:
    • Outside Plant Design and Construction methods and practices.
    • Understanding of RUS units and standards with how they are applied
    • Utility Pole infrastructure:
      • Has experience with NESC rules
      • Pole Loading Analysis, Joint Pole ownership and use
      • Experience with One Touch Make Ready (OTMR)
• Utility coordination
  • DOT plans: Reading & providing utility plans for relocation
  • Developer plans
  • Power Company Joint Use plans.
• Additional Skills:
  • Able to participate in a small group to work specific network issues.
  • The ability to manage changing priorities and the ability to handle several simple network tasks concurrently with assistance required to help set priorities.
  • Scope of responsibility limited to assignments from manager.
  • Able to work with diverse individuals/teams/customers. Able to interact and work with others as part of a team. Understands the role s/he plays on the team, and how his/her work supports the team's goals.
  • Able to take the lead to get well understood issues resolved. May require assistance for more difficult issues.
  • Ability to work within a changing environment.
  • Good organizational and written/verbal communication skills including presentation skills
  • Positive attitude and team focus are required.
  • Requires software knowledge and skills in business and office applications, such as spreadsheets, database applications, word documents, network drawing tools (Esri, ArcGIS Pro)
  • The ability to complete work with in the allotted time.
  • The ability to make timely decisions.
  • The ability to organize priorities to achieve maximum performance cost effectively.
  • Basic mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Other:
  • Ability to travel as necessary if the needs of the business dictates.
  • If the needs of the business dictate, perform network tasks outside of normally scheduled business hours to complete project work, provide on-call support and/or implement scheduled network changes

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

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 facilitate 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 enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

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 (Hr./Yr.)

$69,100.00/Yr. - $112,300.00/Yr.