Outside Plant Planner GIS Specialist - Telecommunications

Hill Country Telephone Cooperative (HCTC) is seeking a highly organized and technically skilled Outside Plant GIS Planner to support the mapping, planning, and analysis of our expanding telecommunications network. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy of HCTC's GIS databases, supporting broadband expansion initiatives, and providing planning data used for engineering, budgeting, construction, and funding opportunities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working extensively with GIS mapping systems, telecommunications data, spatial analysis, and infrastructure planning in a fast-paced and evolving broadband environment. Position Summary The Outside Plant GIS Planner is responsible for maintaining and developing GIS-based telecommunications mapping systems and planning data for fiber, copper, and fixed wireless infrastructure projects. The position supports network expansion projects by creating and managing detailed mapping records, project zones, engineering documentation, and construction planning data. This role works closely with engineering, construction, operations, and external partners to ensure mapping accuracy and support strategic broadband deployment initiatives throughout HCTC service territories. Key Responsibilities Create, maintain, and update GIS maps, planning zones, and telecommunications infrastructure records using ESRI ArcGIS, CrowdFiber, Google Earth, and related GIS platforms Develop and maintain mapping layers for FTTH, FTTX, fixed wireless, ILEC/CLEC boundaries, and future broadband expansion projects Create planning maps and visual data sets for budgeting, engineering analysis, grant applications, and executive planning Import, export, and manage GIS, KMZ, and shapefile data for internal teams and external engineering or funding partners Ensure GIS database accuracy and integrity through field verification, record updates, and ongoing data maintenance Analyze network capacity, traffic loads, and infrastructure availability to support future construction and expansion planning Perform field surveys to gather data and validate telecommunications records, staking sheets, and mapping information Collaborate with engineering, construction, and project management teams on ongoing OSP projects and broadband deployments Support funding opportunity analysis, broadband grant preparation, and regulatory reporting requirements Assist with maintaining telecommunications plant records and documentation for aerial and underground facilities Prepare estimates and planning documentation for broadband construction projects Coordinate mapping and planning data with contractors, consultants, and government agencies as needed Maintain familiarity with RUS standards, NESC requirements, and telecommunications industry best practices Qualifications 3-5 years of GIS, telecommunications planning, engineering support, or broadband infrastructure experience Strong working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS required Experience with CrowdFiber, Google Earth, IntelliCAD, AutoCAD, or other GIS/mapping platforms preferred Understanding of fiber optic network design, FTTH deployments, and telecommunications infrastructure preferred Experience managing large data sets and producing accurate GIS reporting and mapping deliverables Ability to interpret technical drawings, staking sheets, schematics, and engineering documentation Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences Engineering degree or equivalent telecommunications/GIS experience preferred Valid Texas driver's license required Why Join HCTC? HCTC is committed to expanding reliable broadband and telecommunications services across the Texas Hill Country. This position offers the opportunity to directly support broadband growth initiatives that impact rural communities while working with modern GIS and telecommunications technologies in a collaborative environment. What We Offer Competitive compensation and benefits Stable, community-focused organization Opportunities for professional development and technical growth Collaborative and forward-thinking work environment Meaningful work supporting broadband expansion across rural Texas HCTC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.