Operations Manager Jobs in Center, ND (NOW HIRING)

Construction & Engineering Manager

Department: Operations

Reports to: Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

ABOUT WRT

At WRT, we believe our people make the difference. Guided by our core values we strive to provide exceptional experiences for our customers, support one another as teammates and positively impact the communities we serve.

BUILD AWESOME CONNECTIONS - We create meaningful connections by serving our customers, supporting our communities, and delivering exceptional experiences.

BE THE GO-TO - We take ownership, follow through, and deliver consistent, dependable service.

ACT INSTEAD OF REACT - We anticipate needs, think ahead, and look for solutions before problems arise.

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT - We try new things and are open to new ideas and opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Construction & Engineering (C&E) Manager is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and overseeing WRT's C&E operations, including fiber optic outside plant, network infrastructure, project planning, contractor coordination, plant records, resource planning, emergency response, safety and service reliability. This position leads the Construction Technicians/Foreman, Field Engineers, Network Facilities Associates and the Warehouse/Utility Technician while supporting safe, reliable, and customer-focused C&E operations that align with WRT's operational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plan, organize, direct, and monitor construction and engineering activities related to WRT's fiber optic outside plant and network infrastructure.

Provides leadership, direction, coaching, feedback, and support to department employees while promoting accountability, employee development, safety, and operational excellence.

Oversee construction and engineering projects, including design coordination, permitting, right-of-way coordination, contractor oversight, maintenance coordination, project timelines, and quality review.

Ensures records and documentation are accurate, current, and available to appropriate employees.

Ensure compliance with WRT policies, procedures, safety requirements, regulatory requirements, and established work standards.

Promotes a customer experience culture by helping employees understand how their work impacts service reliability, the customer experience, and WRT's reputation.

Assist with departmental budgeting, monitor expenditures, and support responsible use of company resources.

Collaborates with leadership and other departments to support operational goals, continuous improvement efforts and organizational success.

Participate in an on-call rotation to support after-hours service interruptions, emergencies, network outages, and operational issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of telecommunications industry practices applicable to this position.

Knowledge of company policies & procedures, safety requirements, FMCSA, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Skill in leading, coaching, and developing employees while promoting accountability, collaboration and professionalism.

Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating projects, resources, contractors, and departmental priorities.

Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, contractors, vendors, leadership, and other business contacts.

Ability to analyze operational issues, develop practical solutions, and make sound business decisions.

Ability to adapt to changing business, technology, and operational needs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Demonstrated leadership, management, project management, or operational experience, along with knowledge of telecommunications, construction, engineering, utility operations, or related business operations, is strongly desired. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be insurable under WRT's insurance carrier.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Reports to the WRT Headquarters office in Hazen, ND and must reside within the WRT service area.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply only at https://westriv.com/about/#careers by 5:00 p.m. September 3, 2026.

WRT is an equal employment opportunity employer.