SENIOR NETWORK SPECIALIST

TDS' reliable, high quality products and responsive customer service don't just happen by accident. They happen as a result of the creativity, dedication, talent, and professionalism of every member of our TDS team. Every day, TDS' 3,000+ employees dedicate themselves to exceeding customer expectations and earning customer loyalty. 'Delighting Customers' are not buzzwords at TDS; they're part of our company's mission.Employment at TDS is subject to post offer, pre-employment drug testing. EEO/AAP Employer The Senior Network Specialist position will be responsible for the engineering and integration of IP and access technologies into TDS Telecom's service provider networks. The position will transition revenue generating products and new technologies from architectural designs to the operational teams responsible for day-to-day support.Key Job Responsibilities: Team with network design, engineering, deployment, customer provisioning, troubleshooting, and field service teams to clarify operational needs. Create test plans to verify technologies and architectural designs and to provide the information required to implement operational procedures, configurations, and standards. Design and construct test networks in our proof-of-concept lab. Implement test plans and document results. Troubleshoot problems with vendors' sales engineers and/or technical support center staff. Provide feedback to architects and to TDS management regarding vendor performance and technology readiness. Train and mentor operational team members and assist in the creation of procedures, configurations, and standards. Provide technical support during technical and operational field trials. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science -AND- 4 + years in Voice/Data/Video networking -OR- 8+ years experience in Voice/Data/Video networking or related field.Other Qualifications:Technical: Engineer, implement, and maintain complex IP and access networks including routers, LAN switches, ADSL2+/VDSL2 DSLAMS, GPON, and WiMax. Experience implementing QOS and multicast on IP Networks. Develop and deploy VoIP networks using protocols like MGCP, SIP and H.248. Ability to provision and test in-home/business network CPE including DSL CPE, PON ONTs, Metro Ethernet CPE, LAN switches, routers, IPTV set-top-boxes, VoIP ATAs, HPNA hardware, etc.Additional Skills: Able to lead a cross-functional group to work complex network issues/projects. The ability to manage changing priorities for yourself and others and to handle several complex network tasks concurrently. Able to set priorities. Scope of responsibility is primarily set by employee based on management direction and department strategy. Able to lead diverse individuals/teams. Able to interact and work with others as part of a team and remove barriers to the team's success. Proactively identifies complex issues and is able to lead cross-functional groups to resolve. Has the knowledge and skills to escalate issues when appropriate. Possesses expert knowledge of internal processes and tools and drives changes when necessary. Ability to analyze technological solutions to meet business needs. Ability to lead change. Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills. Excellent presentation skills. Able to present concepts to senior management. Able to represent TDS at industry functions. Positive attitude and company focus are required. Requires software knowledge and skills in business and office applications, such as spreadsheets, database applications, word documents, network drawing tools, basic network applications (telnet, FTP Client, FTP Server) and basic Unix tools. The ability to make timely decisions. The ability to organize priorities (self and others) to achieve maximum performance cost effectively. Basic mathematical and statistical analysis. Knowledge of business analysis tools (including, but not limited to cost-benefit analysis, NPV, IRR) Ability to travel as necessary if the needs of the business dictates. If the needs of the business dictate, perform network tasks outside normally scheduled business hours to complete project work, provide on-call support and/or implement scheduled network changes.Benefits:As a part of your total compensation, TDS provides a comprehensive, competitive benefit package. The benefit plans address both the immediate and long term needs that you and your family may have. Here is a sample of what we have to offer for full-time employees.Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Eligible ImmediatelyPaid Time Off: Vacation, Personal Time, Sick Time, and HolidaysInvestments: 401K Eligible Immediately, Pension, Employee Stock Plan, and Flexible Spending AccountsAdditional Benefits: Education Assistance, Telephone and Internet Concessions, and Personal Computer Purchase Program Employment at TDS is subject to post offer, pre-employment drug testing. TDS is an EEO/AAP Employer.