The Senior Network Specialist works independently or leads teams of 5 or more people responsible for network systems and application integration design, configuration development, implementation, testing, and problem resolution. Works with significant autonomy and with independence. The scope of work typically includes major system projects that cross functional boundaries and support company-wide mission-critical business operations. As an experienced network/system technical resource, the position requires mentoring and guidance to the other peer members and downstream teams.

Systems may include networking devices, servers (physical and virtual), operating systems, mass storage, commercial packaged software, or open-source software. Systems may be hosted at a TDS owned facility, a third party, or split across multiple facilities.

The position represents management in project team meetings, daily operations reviews, and applicant interviews. The position may provide supervisory coverage while the team manager is out of the office.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to nearly 1,000 rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities across the U.S. With 1.2 million connections, TDS is a rapidly growing technology company. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 1 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

Leads teams of 5 or more people across team boundaries or work individual to design, develop, implementation, testing, and resolution of defects in networked systems. Networks\Systems are almost always extremely complex and require the integration of multiple vendor products in configurations that are rare or unique in the industry. Requires initiative and ability for self-directed learning and experimentation.
• Identifies and prototypes the processes necessary for the maintenance, administration, and capacity planning activities on new networked systems. Establishes the reliability, performance, and security targets for systems. Uses capacity planning data to assist in forecasting future upgrades and capital investments.
• Leads cross-functional work teams in preparing work estimates and project schedules for all technical work on projects. Projects frequently span multiple teams and business units in the company. Mentors team members in the development of work plans.
• Leads work teams in resolving complex problems which are frequently unique, require creative problem solving and advanced technical skills, and frequently span multiple networked systems that frequently cross team boundaries. May also work on systems with no prior or current knowledge by relying upon expertise of team members. Provides technical leadership during critical outage events.
• Develops and leads programs to train technical staff on the systems and tools within the scope of the team's responsibility. Develops recommendations for improvements to business process owners in the use and modification of systems.
• Maintains expert-level knowledge of system configuration and administration best practices, tools, and methodologies that are recognized outside the company in the industry.
• Initiates programs and leads teams focused on quality and continuous improvement initiatives across business units within the company. Independently directs the implementation of smaller improvement initiatives and makes recommendations to management on larger scope and/or budget initiatives. Uses expert knowledge of industry and competitive marketplace to inform recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 6+ years networking and/or systems administration experience.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of networked systems design methodologies, practices, and tools.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies, practices, and tools.
• Knowledge of one more host and networking device operating systems
• Knowledge of system testing practices and tools.
• Knowledge of problem-solving techniques and tools.
• Knowledge of techniques for vendor product solicitation, evaluation, and selection.
• Knowledge of routing and switching technologies such as OSPF, BGP, MPLS, LDP, VXLAN, Spanning-tree, multicast, tunneling, bridging, quality of service, traffic engineering, VoIP, etc..
• Ability to travel as needed for company business and professional development.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for networked system implementations and resolving system problems.
• Knowledge of business analysis practices and business process modeling.
• Knowledge of quality management and quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of team leadership skills, practices, and behaviors.
• Knowledge of techniques, tools, and applicable laws to conduct effective and legal interviews.
• Knowledge of techniques for writing and presenting business proposals to management.
• Knowledge of techniques to establish business relationships with outside vendors.

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. For an overview of what we have to offer for full-time employees including vacation, health benefits and retirement options please click here.

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by law. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!