Construction & Engineering Manager Department: Operations Reports to: Operations Manager FLSA Status: Exempt 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.