Job Summary:

As the Manager of Outside Plant (OSP), you will be responsible for overseeing the planning, design, implementation, construction, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure for our Outside Plant operations. Your focus will be to lead a team of OSP engineers, technicians, construction services, and supervisors in executing projects to expand our network coverage and ensure the reliability and performance of our FTTx services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Outside Plant personnel

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop long-term OSP strategies and roadmaps aligned with the company's business goals and growth objectives. Coordinate with other management to prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively.
• Design and Engineering: Lead the OSP design process, ensuring that network layouts, routing, and splicing plans meet technical specifications and scalability requirements. Collaborate with internal teams to integrate OSP designs with existing infrastructure.
• Project Execution: Manage the end-to-end execution of OSP projects, including site surveys, permitting, construction supervision, and quality control. Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and report on key performance indicators.
• Budget Management: Prepare and oversee project budgets, tracking expenses, forecasting costs, and optimizing spending to ensure projects are delivered within budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality standards. Compare and approve subcontractor invoices against quality-controlled work for accuracy and to ensure entity accountability for completion and quality.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination: Establish relationships with vendors, contractors, permitting authorities, and community stakeholders to facilitate project collaboration, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Quality Assurance and Safety: Implement quality assurance protocols and safety measures to safeguard employees, contractors, and the public during OSP construction activities. Conduct regular inspections to validate workmanship and adherence to industry standards.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor OSP team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and collaboration. Provide performance feedback, set goals, and promote accountability within the team.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay current on industry regulations, codes, and standards related to OSP construction and telecommunications infrastructure. Ensure that all projects adhere to legal requirements and environmental best practices.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify potential risks and challenges in OSP projects, develop mitigation strategies, and implement contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure project milestones are achieved on time. Respond to and resolve service disruptions, network outages, and other emergency situations in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate project documentation, including design drawings, permits, as-built records, and progress reports. Prepare regular status updates for the CEO, management, and stakeholders.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience in OSP management, design, construction, and maintenance within the telecommunications sector, with a focus on fiber optic networks and FTTx technologies.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to create project plans, track progress, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals towards achieving common goals.
• Ability to identify areas for improvement, implement process change, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with cross-functional teams, external vendors, and key stakeholders. Flexibility to adapt to evolving technologies, industry trends, and operational challenges.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify and address issues promptly and effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of OSP engineering and construction principles, fiber optic technology, network architecture, and industry standards.
• Ability and willingness to pull on call duty when assigned, as dictated by the needs of the business.
• Develop and manage the RFP process and negotiate to ensure the lowest qualified awards are made. Diligently manage the contract terms throughout the life of each contract.
• Certifications such as RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) or PMP (Project Management Professional) are highly desirable.
• Proficiency with GIS mapping, AutoCAD, and other design software related to OSP.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to sites as needed.

External Relationships:

• Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors, service providers, and equipment suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of network operations hardware, software, and services. Establish and maintain productive relationships with vendors, negotiate contracts, and monitor vendor performance to meet OSP operations requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Engage with regulatory authorities, industry organizations, and governing bodies to stay current on industry standards, regulations, and compliance requirements. Ensure that OSP operations adhere to legal and regulatory guidelines, obtaining necessary certifications and approvals as needed.
• Community Engagement: Represent the company in community outreach initiatives, industry events, and networking forums to promote the company's network services and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. Participate in local community activities, partnerships, and collaborations to enhance the company's presence and reputation in the telecommunications industry.
• Industry Partnerships: Cultivate strategic partnerships and alliances with industry stakeholders, technology providers, and industry associations to stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and best practices. Collaborate with industry peers to share knowledge, expertise, and resources for mutual benefit and advancement of OSP operations in the telecommunications sector.
• Customer Relations: Serve as a liaison between the company and its customers, addressing customer inquiries, feedback, and concerns related to OSP operations and services. Prioritize customer satisfaction, communicate effectively with customers, and ensure a positive customer experience through proactive engagement and service delivery excellence.

Required Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Five or more years with a four-year bachelor’s degree or ten or more years in similar role without a bachelor’s degree.

Working Conditions:

• Working inside and outside during regular hours and occasional overtime, including weekends and holidays if necessary. Normal safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel outside the service area from time to time. Regular work schedule is Monday through Friday.

Physical Effort and Dexterity:

• Frequent physical activity that includes sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time, standing, walking, stooping, bending, lifting, and carrying materials under twenty-five pounds.

Machines, Tools, and Equipment:

• Capable of operating a personal computer and related software. Must be able to operate office equipment and telecommunications equipment.

Visual Acuity, Hearing and Speaking:

• Comfortable speaking on the telephone and via online conference tools. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.

About White River Connect

The White River Valley Electric Cooperative's headquarters are in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, just outside the city limits of Branson, Missouri. Our origins trace back to 1935 when the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was created to bring comforts to rural Americans – like electric lights to extend the day. While the White River Valley Electric Cooperative of today continues to invest in its electrical infrastructure to ensure the same comforts to our rural communities, we are also investing in the future of our communities in which we serve by bringing broadband to all our members. White River Connect, LLC was formed to build a world-class fiber network that will transform our rural communities just as our Cooperative's founders did with electricity 85 years ago.

Connections working at White River Connect