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White River Valley Electric Cooperative

MANAGER OF outside plant (BRanson office)

White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, White River Connect, LLC, is building a robust fiber optic system to service all its members and beyond. This system will connect our communities with a reliable internet service, even in the most rural areas, and will ensure all have access to the most advanced fiber optic system in today’s world. We are building a world-class fiber network that will transform our rural communities just as the Cooperative’s founders did with electricity. White River Connect is currently looking to add to its team of amazing employees the position of Manager of Outside Plant. 

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/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.

Note: This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Management retains the right to assign or reassign duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

 

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