Network Specialist - Joint Use

A Joint Use Specialist is an entry level position, where you will be responsible for completing tasks related to individual utility rules and policies, outside plant industry engineering and construction best practices, methods, materials, standards and specifications, local ordinances, state and federal laws related to the colocation and joint use of facilities.

You will support organizational objectives through coordination and monitoring of joint use attachments application process to protect TDS Telecom assets including input of joint use contracts with pole owners; joint use permit processing and tracking; coordination of all field work including make ready work and field surveys; maintain all records and data and perform analysis and develop reports pertaining to all activities associated with pole attachments; perform coordination and analysis of all joint use pole surveys; oversee correction of NESC clearance violations and maintain all record keeping.

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

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?

Requires the ability to comprehend the vast complexities surrounding colocation engineering and construction and effectively apply that knowledge to positively impact daily and long term business needs through developing colocation engineering and construction standards and specifications (ex. colocation on poles, in conduits, in manholes, on premises, etc.), helping to negotiate and ensure favorable colocation engineering and construction contract terms and conditions, and being directly responsible for colocation work related to programs, projects, contracts and other tasks related to successful outcomes.
• Work closely with TDS associates in various departments and consultants in dealing with significant, complicated and complex issues and needs related to researching, negotiating and legally securing colocation rights (ex. Pole Attachments, Joint Trench, Franchise, Conduit Agreements) in a timely manner, allowing TDS to successfully construct/design/place all TDS outside plant facilities and deliver reliable, high-quality services to customers, nationally.
• May also be responsible for completing tasks related to securing and maintaining the legal rights of occupancy and use of real property/ land for the placement of TDS facilities and equipment in advance of construction. Tasks include preparing and securing permits (ex. Utility Pole Attachments, Railroad Crossings, Federal, State, County, and Local), easements, rights of entry, and leases pursuant to requirements of law and TDS policy.
• Regularly interfaces (via email, phone and in person) with internal teams/departments (NS, NO, AP, GRA, Legal, etc.) and externally with contractors, customers, property owners, government permit authorities, utilities and railroads.
• This position is an exciting, fast paced opportunity for highly skilled and motivated individuals seeking to help TDS, one of the nation's leading broadband providers, make people's lives better by helping provide people access to the essential broadband services of the future. This position will mainly work to support the growing organizational needs surrounding facility colocation, such as joint use pole attachments, as TDS urgently strives to rapidly upgrade and expand its fiber optic broadband networks to meet the demands of today and realities of tomorrow.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree (or higher) -OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
• 2+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking -OR- 6+ months TDS Telecom technical internship experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and insurance.

Other Qualifications

• Technical knowledge of Real Estate Law, Land Surveying, Project Management, GIS, Telecommunications, Engineering, Construction, and other fields is desirable.
• The independent ability to quickly learn and comprehend a wide variety of complex work, responsibilities, assignments, customer requests, inquiries, notices, alerts, issues, project documents, details, standards, plans and maps and review them for completeness, risks, policy compliance and to help determine/ estimate the scope of work, timelines and costs for tasks and the best practices required for their successful completion.
• The ability to own/ care for/ be accountable to successfully create, organize, schedule, resource, track, update, report, communicate status, expedite, overcome obstacles/ issues, complete, closeout records and report metrics for multiple tasks simultaneously within expectations of cost, time, quality, etc. while working independently and/or with others on a daily and ongoing basis to meet performance and productivity expectations.
• The ability to comprehend and help ensure that larger team and organizational goals and initiatives are successful through a sense of importance and urgency surrounding task throughput, efficient utilization of time, effective communication and prioritization of tasks, assignments and responsibilities.
• The ability to quickly and confidently build trusting, positive and productive internal and external professional relationships with a wide variety of diverse individuals/ personalities, whom often have different priorities, temperaments and concerns, through effectively addressing obstacles to success (such as incomplete/ missing permit submittal information or unreasonable permit authority requirements) and by trying to help find and negotiate fair and reasonable solutions is essential to securing rights to place facilities quickly and overall success.
• The ability to utilize Microsoft Office Software, such as Outlook (email), Excel, Word, is required, while One Note, SharePoint. Power Point, Access, Project and Clarity, Ariba, SAP and AutoCAD skills are a plus. The ability to utilize ESRI GIS Software to map records and maintain geodatabase, write python scripts, build complex queries, tools and maps is desirable.

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 diversity of 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.