Director, OSP

NRTC is Member Driven and Technology Focused – providing solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America. NRTC’s solutions are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated broadband, managed services, smart grid, and mobile solutions. We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations. 
 
Job Summary
NRTC Broadband Solutions is looking for an OSP Director to join our team.  The OSP Director will oversee outside plant operations on multiple fiber construction projects, including contractor and inspector management, ensuring compliance with specifications, construction standards, procedures, and regulations (OSHA), fostering a safe workplace for all.

Responsibilities

• Stands up all aspects of new construction projects, then transitions to the local OSP field team for the commencement of construction
  • Collaborates with Program Management and OSP Design to develop project standards with the member
  • Consults the member for warehouse space and setup
  • Supports the development of RFPs with the PMO for prime construction contractors, materials
  • Educate contractor on standards, the use of construction tools, use of subs, reporting requirements, and safety compliance
  • Ensures the field team is trained and prepared for construction start
• Provides direction and support of all fiber outside plant activities
  • Prime contractor construction management
  • Development of construction standards including any electric purposed plant requests
  • Fiber plant inspection/validation, app-based record keeping, change management, gig work, reporting
  • Drive consistency among OSP Managers and staff in the pursuit of primary objectives
  • Foster a safe working environment
• Plans, develops and makes recommendations on staffing, employee development and equipment and supplies
  • Organize the OSP staff to ensure achievement of primary construction and performance objectives, including assignment of projects to OSP Managers based on culture match
  • Interview, evaluate and hire appropriate levels of staffing and contractors to meet business demands
  • Mentor the OSP Managers to cultivate a culture of teamwork with engineering, members, and vendors
  • Assist Finance/HR functions in OSP policies and decisions
• Continuous improvement in the documentation, automation and efficiency of outside plant processes
  • Utilize process and documentation to drive results as opposed to manpower and experience
  • Ensure project Automation/Workflow meets OSP standards and procedures
  • Focus on decentralized Field Engineering processes that drive the design of the network
  • Research and keep up to date on industry standards and new technology available for OSP
• Complete ownership of the Outside Plant function including internal and external resources and all methods of construction
• Schedule travel as needed to meet expectations of members, employees, and business development
• Ensure NRTC Broadband culture is fostered across the project teams and encourage professional growth and development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities      

• Deep knowledge of RUS specifications, NESC guidelines and Telecom construction best practices
• Leadership: provide guidance to OSP Managers to effectively lead their field teams and member engagement following principles of high emotional intelligence
• Problem solving: assist the OSP Manager with complex construction and contractor issues in an assertive and respectful manner.
• Decision making: appropriately recognize issues and determine whether action is needed; take charge of the OSP field team when necessary and make decisions in a timely manner
• Open communication: clearly communicate ideas and thoughts in team meetings. Proactively communicate issues and updates on assignments before deadlines
• Ability to develop and maintain member relationships, service and counsel members about construction services, and enhance the company’s image in the marketplace

Minimum Education and Experience      

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Engineering or Business preferred
• 5+ years of fiber construction management experience
• 8+ years of industry experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel ~2 weeks per month
• Must be able to work in an indoor and outdoor environment with various weather conditions
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs.