Outside Plant Construction Technician

Join our Internal Construction Crew (ICC) in Great Falls, MT!

The Fiber Construction Technician performs the general labor associated with outside plant construction for PON/fiber optic networks. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with the installation of communications facilities (both buried and aerial). Work is performed in accordance with state and local regulations in a safe manner.

Know someone who would be a great fit for this role? This position is eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus! (Payout terms apply)

Training:

As a Fiber Construction Technician, you will have the opportunity to obtain a Class A CDL through our in-house training program. You will attend safety training at one of our new facilities where you will also be trained on Pole Climbing and Bucket Trucks. On-the-job training includes exposure to various construction equipment including Directional Drill Rigs, Mini Excavators, Trenchers, and Locators. Fiber optic training includes Fusion Splicing, Fault Detection, and exposure to OTDRs and other advanced testing equipment.

The duration of training varies based on the team assignment. Training for underground teams is 3 weeks, with an additional 1 week required for aerial training. Depending on factors such as market needs, prior skills, and team size, some individuals may only complete underground training, while others may undergo the full 4-week program, including aerial training.

**This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.  For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.**

• Performs general construction labor in various weather conditions while utilizing safety fundamentals.
  • Assists with and performs the transportation of required construction equipment to and from the worksite.
  • Assists with and performs the placement of new aerial and buried fiber according to maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
  • Uses hand tools, cable locators, and test equipment.
  • Installs and/or sets enclosures (buried and aerial) vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
  • Climbs poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as needed; uses bucket truck when required.
  • Marks/labels fiber optic and/or copper facilities.
  • Uses dispatching application and associated tools.
  • Assists with fiber splicing and repairs.
  • Assists with outside plant preventative maintenance.
• Services, cleans, maintains, and repairs equipment.
• Completes all related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provides assistance to field services technicians, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in any combination of the following areas: customer service, electrical or utility construction, -OR-technical certification (or higher) -OR- current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
• Must follow the TDS attendance guidelines in order to meet TDS’s business needs including but not limited to our obligations to our customers and to our customers’ needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.

Other Qualifications

• Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
• Physical requirements may vary based on company needs: Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as needed. Ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Training course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed. May be required to work various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role involves frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly (occasionally over 100 pounds). Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and depth perception.

Work conditions often include outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high-risk areas like high voltage zones, trenches, and manholes. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs 

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time 

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from *$22.62 to $41.42 per hour.

*The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.