Network Specialist I - Permitting Coordinator

TDS Telecom

1d•Remote

About The Position

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? Our Network Services team is looking for a Network Specialist I - Permitting Coordinator to join them! In this role you will be responsible for completing tasks related to securing and maintaining the legal rights of occupancy and use of real property/ land and for facility colocation (joint trench, conduits, pole attachments, etc.), 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. In this position, you will regularly interface (via email, phone and in person) with internal teams/departments and externally with contractors, customers, property owners, government permit authorities, utilities and railroads. This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates. This position can be hired at a Network Specialist - Permitting Coordinator (2025-28675) or Network Specialist I - Permitting Coordinator (2025-28676) 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.

Requirements

Associate degree (or higher) –OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
3+ years experience in Voice, Data, or Video networking.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in permitting.
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

Responsibilities

Permits (research requirements, communicate with permit authorities, attend meetings, occasional field work and travel, scope/ estimate work, create tasks, work with professional service vendors to obtain data and studies, prepare applications, negotiate and submit fees, expedite and secure rights ahead of construction, update and closeout records, GIS databases and maps, care for annul requirements, payments, bonds, insurance, reporting, etc.).
Easements & Right of Entry Agreements (research local requirements, scope/estimate work, ensure compliance with law and policy, negotiate with private property owner(s), obtain survey and legal description, prepare document, secure signatures, notary, ensure payment, public recording, update records, GIS databases and maps.)
Lease work (assist with negotiation, alerts, payments, W9 issues, location issues, ownership changes, records research, phone calls, document preparation, etc.)
Any other responsibilities, duties or tasks as assigned in support of achieving goals and objectives.
Assist with Special Projects and Initiatives (committees, mandates, programs, customer driven and success based projects and needs).
Assist with Operations (vendor and risk management, metrics, reports, scheduling, communications, research, customer service)

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.