Job Description:

Network Specialist II - Route Acquisition

Job Locations

US-TN-Knoxville | US | TBD-TBD-TBD

Overview

The Network Specialist II - Route Acquisition is a senior network specialist role responsible for regional right of way operations, including the management (planning, scheduling, assigning, scoping, budgeting, accounting, supervising, directing, coordinating, etc.) of TDS staff and consultants in dealing with significant, complicated and complex issues and needs related to researching, negotiating and legally securing public and private property rights (easements, leases, permits, etc.) in a timely manner, allowing TDS to successfully construct/design/place all TDS outside plant facilities and deliver reliable, high quality services to customers, throughout the nation. This position works closely with a wide variety of internal (engineers, designers, planners, lawyers, accountants, project managers, inspectors) and external (consultants, row agents, surveyors, permit authorities, government officials and boards, private property owners, customers, general public, etc.) people, teams and entities to ensure legal requirements are met, all necessary approvals are obtained and TDS interests, goals and objectives are met. This position must be familiar with, monitor and have the ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal laws and policy (zoning, recording requirements, environmental, etc.) in conjunction with daily operations in advancing and protecting TDS business interests and mitigating risks.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs nearly 2,700 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000 company. Founded in 1969, TDS Inc. employs 9,400 people and has approximately six million connections nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service. TDS Inc. has been named to several Forbes lists, including America's Best Employer for Diversity, Best Large Employers, and Best Employers for Women.

Responsibilities

Manage regional route acquisition projects, expectations, scope, communications, budgets/costs, timelines, quality, deliverables, closeouts, records, select/hire, assign, delegate, and schedule internal and external resources to work on projects and complete tasks on time and within budget
• Overall regional operations management (direct, coach, train and supervise staff; manage vendor performance and accountability; ensure policy and process compliance, risk management, record keeping, etc.) ensuring the best interests of TDS are met or exceeded daily


• Establishes long term relationships and communicates with peer teams and local authorities to help ensure teamwork and cooperation staff to increase capabilities and improve performance


• Negotiates directly with Local, State and Federal government agencies as well as other utilities regarding a wide variety of right of way issues


• Negotiates directly with property owners, business and residential customers and the general public regarding a wide variety of right of way issues such as, easements, legal actions, trespass, damages, complaints, public relations, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years' professional work experience


• 4+ years' experience in Voice/Data/Video networking


• Must have and maintain a valid drivers license, reliable transportation, and insurance

Other Qualifications

• Experience within the Telecommunications industry performing Right of Way acquisition preferred


• Experience associated with land surveying techniques including and/or Real Estate Law


• Computer experience with Microsoft Suite (especially MS Excel, Word and Access)


• Knowledge of telephone outside plant construction techniques preferred


• Must be self-motivated and self-reliant


• Excellent written and oral communications skill


• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

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, click here!

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, 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!