Fiber Construction Technician

About the role

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. The Fiber Construction Technician performs general labor associated with outside plant construction for PON/fiber optic networks, including 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.

Training

As a Fiber Construction Technician, you will have the opportunity to obtain a Class A CDL through our in-house training program. Training includes:

• Safety training at one of our new facilities, including Pole Climbing and Bucket Truck operation
• On-the-job training with construction equipment such as Directional Drill Rigs, Mini Excavators, Trenchers, and Locators
• Fiber optic training covering Fusion Splicing, Fault Detection, and use of OTDRs and other advanced testing equipment

Training duration varies based on team assignment: 3 weeks for underground teams, with an additional 1 week for aerial training. Some individuals may complete only underground training, while others may undergo the full 4-week program including aerial training.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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 TDS attendance guidelines to meet business and customer needs
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL (current CDL preferred but not required; TDS provides in-house certification)
• Physical ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; kneel, dig, lift, and pull
• 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
• 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 and various/swing shifts as business needs dictate
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions

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: close, distance, color, and depth perception

Work conditions often include:

• Outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high-risk areas (e.g., high voltage zones, trenches, manholes)
• Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise

Benefits

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

• Medical, Dental, and 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

All associates may participate in Associate Resource Groups designed to encourage community and professional development.

Pay

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

About TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect.