Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician

The Senior Fiber Construction Technician oversees the construction and maintenance of PON/fiber network communications facilities in TDS Telecom serving areas. Performs advanced operation of construction equipment which includes, but is not limited to, trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, and plows. Manages the overall project while coordinating with internal and external resources. Ensures the entire team operates according to safety protocols.

• Receives maps and staking sheets for the full construction project and ensures project is built, with limited guidance from supervisors.
• Communicates updates to the project team as required.
• Manages daily and weekly project work based on deadlines, material and equipment availability, weather, and other factors.
• Coordinates with supervisor to ensure continual supply of work and availability of materials.
• Drafts and submits redlines upon completion of project.
• Ensures locates are performed on time and prior to team and equipment arriving at the worksite.
• Regularly engages municipalities, utility companies, suppliers, contractors, and property owners in order to smoothly coordinate project tasks and avoid disputes.
• Reads construction plans and municipality permits, and determines approach for completing work.
• Maintains all project documentation and records costs of project materials and material transfers.
• Ensures DOT inspections are performed on equipment.
• Works with project managers to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Performs general construction labor in various weather conditions while utilizing safety fundamentals.
• Advanced operation of trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, plows, and other excavating equipment to construct and maintain outside plant cable facilities.
• Advanced operation of all test equipment associated with outside plant facilities and construction duties.
• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, splices, repairs, and maintains fiber optic facilities.
• Identifies location of defective cable using various test equipment and repairs buried, aerial, underground, and/or customer cable.
• Locates cable and fiber in response to customer requests and/or construction needs.
• Performs cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Actively trains, monitors, and coaches team members while sharing construction knowledge and experience. Performs quality control inspections and makes training recommendations. Ensures safety protocols are enforced.
• Services, cleans, maintains, and repairs equipment.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of construction equipment operation utilizing various underground and aerial construction equipment such as directional drills, trencher/plow/rock saw, backhoe, or bucket trucks -OR- current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
• 1+ years of experience leading individuals and/or teams through mentorship, job coaching, and project management.
• 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.
• Preferred 2+ years’ experience in the construction of fiber optic cable outside plant networks -OR- 2+ years installation of any underground or overhead utilities will be considered.
• 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!

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.

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

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.