OSP Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OSP Design Technologist
Company: WesTower Communications Ltd.
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering / Construction Operations
Date Posted: December 14, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the technical design and drafting of Outside Plant (OSP) telecommunications infrastructure, specifically for aerial and underground network deployments.
• It involves translating project requirements into detailed design packages essential for permitting, construction, and record-keeping (as-builts).
• Key responsibilities include utilizing design software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D to create precise technical drawings and documentation.
• The position requires strong collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure design accuracy and project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "OSP Design Technologist," the responsibilities and required skills align closely with operations roles focused on infrastructure design and project execution within the telecommunications and construction sectors. This role is critical for the operational readiness and successful deployment of network infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed engineering drawings and design packages for outside plant (OSP) telecommunications projects, encompassing both aerial and underground infrastructure.
• Execute the design and drafting of fiber optic and other telecommunications networks using specialized software, ensuring adherence to client specifications and industry standards.
• Develop comprehensive design packages for various project phases, including permitting applications, client reviews, construction blueprints, and accurate as-built documentation.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, field crews, and permitting agencies to gather necessary information, resolve design challenges, and ensure seamless project progression.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all design work to ensure accuracy, compliance, and constructability, minimizing potential errors or rework during the construction phase.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet project deadlines and client delivery schedules.
• Support site surveys and data collection efforts by providing necessary design context and interpreting field data for incorporation into design packages.
• Ensure all design deliverables are properly documented, organized, and archived according to company and client protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily focused on the technical execution of OSP design, which is a critical operational function for telecommunications infrastructure deployment. This involves a blend of technical drafting, project coordination, and stakeholder communication, all vital for successful service delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited technical school (e.g., CET - Certified Engineering Technologist) or possess equivalent educational background.
• A strong foundation in technical drawing and design principles is essential.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an OSP designer is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in the telecommunications industry is considered a significant asset.
• Experience with field surveys and data collection processes is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Telecommunications Design Knowledge: Solid understanding of Outside Plant (OSP) design principles, including aerial and underground network infrastructure.
• AutoCAD Proficiency: Expertise in using AutoCAD software, including specific experience with Civil 3D for civil design and drafting.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in core Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation, data management, and communication.
• Bluebeam Proficiency: Skilled in using Bluebeam Revu or similar PDF editing software for document review, markup, and collaboration.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly and professionally.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design and documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Time Management & Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying design challenges and developing practical, efficient solutions.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, project teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• GIS Knowledge: Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their application in telecommunications network design.
• Field Survey & Data Collection: Understanding of field survey methodologies and experience in collecting and interpreting site data.
• Versatility: Ability to adapt to different project requirements and work on various types of design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam, and GIS, combined with telecommunications design knowledge, points to a highly specialized technical operations role. The preference for a technical school graduate and specific years of OSP design experience are standard for this type of engineering support function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Package Examples: Showcase a range of completed OSP design packages (aerial and underground) for permitting, construction, and as-built purposes.
• Technical Drawing Samples: Provide clear examples of detailed technical drawings created using AutoCAD and Civil 3D, demonstrating proficiency in line work, symbology, dimensioning, and annotation relevant to telecommunications infrastructure.
• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Include samples that highlight your ability to leverage AutoCAD Civil 3D for site grading, utility placement, and route design.
• Documentation Quality: Present examples of well-organized and clearly annotated design documents that reflect attention to detail and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical workflow for taking a project from initial concept or survey data to a final construction-ready design package.
• Quality Assurance: Describe your process for reviewing and quality-checking your own designs and potentially those of others to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaboration & Feedback: Illustrate how you incorporate feedback from project managers, engineers, and field teams into your design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technical design role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical drafting skills but also demonstrate an understanding of the end-to-end design process, from initial requirements to final documentation, which is a key aspect of operational efficiency and project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for OSP Design Technologists in Alberta, Canada, with 2-5 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between CAD $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the depth of knowledge in GIS and field survey.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits: Including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a company-matched pension or RRSP contribution program.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and statutory holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and certification in relevant software and industry practices.
• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Standard employer-provided insurance benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, Monday to Friday, typically 8 hours per day, totaling 40 hours per week.
• Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical compensation for technical roles in the engineering and construction sectors in Alberta, Canada, factoring in the specified experience level and the technical nature of the OSP Design Technologist role. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in Canadian companies of this industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications Infrastructure & Construction. WesTower Communications Ltd. operates within a dynamic sector that is continuously expanding and evolving with new technologies and network demands. Company Size: WesTower Communications Ltd. is part of the Dayforce HCM platform, suggesting it's a reasonably established company with likely more than 50 employees, potentially in the mid-size to large enterprise category, indicating structured operational processes. Founded: Information on the founding date is not directly provided, but its presence on a major job platform suggests a stable and operational business.

Team Structure:

• OSP Design Team: This role is part of a specialized team focused on telecommunications network design. The team likely comprises OSP Designers, Draftspersons, and potentially junior engineers or project coordinators.
• Reporting: The OSP Design Technologist will likely report to an OSP Design Lead, Engineering Manager, or a Project Manager overseeing design operations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Frequent interaction with project management, field operations teams, permitting departments, and potentially client representatives to ensure design alignment with practical implementation and regulatory requirements.

Methodology:

• Design Standards: Adherence to established company design standards, client specifications, and relevant national/provincial telecommunications engineering codes.
• Software Utilization: Primary reliance on CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D) and document management tools (Bluebeam) for design creation and collaboration.
• Iterative Design Process: Work involves design, review, revision, and finalization, often involving multiple feedback loops with stakeholders.

Company Website: https://www.westower.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: WesTower Communications Ltd. appears to be a significant player in the telecommunications infrastructure space. The company culture is likely to emphasize technical precision, project delivery timelines, and safety, which are paramount in the construction and engineering sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an intermediate-level technical role. It requires specialized skills and experience in OSP design, placing it beyond entry-level but not yet at a senior engineering or management level. The focus is on executing defined design tasks efficiently and accurately. Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Design Lead or Engineering Manager who oversees the OSP design function. This provides a clear line of mentorship and project oversight. Operations Impact: The OSP Design Technologist's work directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of network deployments. Well-executed designs reduce construction costs, minimize field errors, accelerate project timelines, and ensure the reliability of the telecommunications infrastructure, which is core to the company's operational success and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior OSP Designer: Progression to a senior role with greater design complexity, project leadership, and mentorship responsibilities.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like GIS, advanced civil design, or specific telecommunications technologies.
• Project Management: Transition into project coordination or management roles, leveraging design knowledge to oversee broader project lifecycles.
• Technical Lead: Potential to become a subject matter expert or technical lead for specific design aspects or client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an OSP Design Technologist is typically within the technical track of engineering and construction operations. Growth involves increasing technical mastery, project scope, and potentially leadership responsibilities within the design and engineering departments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based on-site in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. The work environment will be a professional office setting. Office Location(s): Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. This location is part of the greater Edmonton metropolitan area, offering access to a skilled workforce and regional infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to foster collaboration among design technologists, engineers, and project managers. Open communication and teamwork are crucial for design reviews and problem-solving.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam), computers, and other necessary office equipment will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with colleagues during project meetings, design critiques, and team-building activities.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, Monday to Friday. The on-site nature requires adherence to office operating hours, supporting the continuous flow of design and project-related tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct collaboration and access to company resources, which is typical for technical design roles where specific software and hardware are essential, and real-time team interaction is beneficial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with core requirements.
• Technical Assessment/Skills Test: Potential for a practical test using AutoCAD or a case study scenario to evaluate design proficiency, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Interviews:
  • Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on experience, technical skills, problem-solving approach, and understanding of OSP design principles.
  • Team Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues to assess teamwork, communication style, and cultural fit within the design team.
• Final Interview: May involve senior management or HR to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-5 of your strongest OSP design projects that best showcase your skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D, document creation, and handling different design scenarios (aerial, underground, permitting, as-built).
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.
• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the design process, the challenges encountered, and how you resolved them. Emphasize efficiency improvements or best practices you applied.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure drawings are clean, well-annotated, and demonstrate correct use of symbology and standards. Highlight any specific complex features you designed.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio entries, answer technical questions about your designs, and explain your design rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

• AutoCAD/Civil 3D Exercise: Practice common OSP design tasks, such as drafting utility routes, placing equipment, creating profiles, and generating cut sheets.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common design challenges, like routing around existing utilities, dealing with difficult terrain, or incorporating last-minute client changes.
• Communication Scenarios: Be ready to explain a complex design concept to a non-technical person or discuss design trade-offs with a project manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a technical role like this will heavily weigh practical skills. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate your design process and problem-solving approach are critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design.
• Civil 3D: Critical for 3D design, site grading, utility design, and corridor modeling in OSP projects.
• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF creation, markup, collaboration, and document management in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: For data management, simple calculations, and basic reporting related to design elements or material take-offs.
• Internal Project Management Tools: WesTower Communications Ltd. likely uses internal systems for project tracking, task management, and reporting, which may include some data visualization or dashboarding capabilities.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how designs feed into project management and client databases (potentially CRM-linked) is beneficial.
• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in organized file storage and retrieval is key for managing design packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D is non-negotiable for this role. Bluebeam is also a standard tool in the industry for efficient document handling. Understanding how these tools integrate into broader project management workflows is important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to producing accurate, high-quality designs that meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members share knowledge, assist each other, and work together to achieve project goals.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for optimized workflows and efficient use of design tools to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Attention to Detail: A culture that values meticulousness in all aspects of design and documentation to ensure project success and minimize errors.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Encouraging team members to identify potential issues early and collaboratively develop effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Process: Working closely with project managers, field engineers, and construction teams to ensure designs are practical, constructible, and aligned with project objectives.
• Feedback Loop: Openly sharing designs for review and actively incorporating constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, tips, and techniques related to OSP design and software utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of technical rigor and collaborative spirit, essential for roles that bridge engineering design and field operations. A proactive and detailed approach is key to success in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Project Demands: Balancing workload from multiple projects with varying deadlines and complexities.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with new telecommunications technologies, design standards, and software updates.
• Interpreting Field Data: Accurately translating potentially incomplete or complex field survey data into precise designs.
• Resolving Design Conflicts: Navigating and resolving spatial conflicts with existing utilities or environmental constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in AutoCAD Civil 3D or specialized GIS software.
• Industry Training: Attending workshops or courses on OSP design best practices, telecommunications network technology, or regulatory compliance.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to project management, field operations, or permitting processes to develop a more holistic understanding of the project lifecycle.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced OSP designers and engineers within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to deepen technical expertise in a critical infrastructure sector. Continuous learning is essential to stay current with technology and industry practices, which is a common theme in operations and engineering roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• OSP Design Process: "Walk me through your typical process for designing an aerial fiber optic route, from receiving initial requirements to delivering the final construction package." (Focus on detailing steps, software used, considerations, and quality checks.)
• Software Proficiency: "Describe a complex design challenge you faced in AutoCAD Civil 3D and how you used its features to overcome it." (Be specific about the feature and the outcome.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a situation where field survey data conflicts with existing maps for a proposed underground conduit route. How would you approach resolving this discrepancy?" (Highlight communication, verification, and documentation steps.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult team member or stakeholder on a design project. How did you manage the situation?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and achieving project goals.)
• Attention to Detail: "Can you give an example of how your attention to detail prevented a potential error or issue in a past project?" (Quantify the impact if possible.)
• Company Fit: "What interests you about WesTower Communications Ltd. and this OSP Design Technologist role specifically?" (Research the company's projects and values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. For each project, have a summary slide or section that includes project scope, your role, key challenges, and outcomes.
• Visuals: Ensure your drawings are clear and legible. Use callouts or annotations to highlight specific design elements or solutions.
• Storytelling: For case studies, focus on the problem, your solution, and the positive impact (e.g., efficiency gained, cost saved, error avoided).
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical specifications, standards, and software features you utilized.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. Your portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities, so be ready to discuss it in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with OSP design, AutoCAD (especially Civil 3D), Bluebeam, telecommunications projects, and any relevant technical certifications or coursework. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Designed X miles of fiber optic cable," "Reduced design errors by Y%").
• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio that clearly showcases your best OSP design work, focusing on clarity, technical accuracy, and variety (aerial/underground, permitting/as-built). Be ready to present and discuss these examples.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WesTower Communications Ltd.'s services, projects, and any stated company values or mission. Understand how your role contributes to their overall operational goals in the telecommunications infrastructure sector.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer technical questions about OSP design principles and software usage, as well as behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Practice articulating your thought process for design challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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