Fiber Splicer - Outside Plant Construction

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. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections.

About the role

As the Fiber Splicer-Outside Plant Construction in Billings, MT, you will be responsible for the placement of enclosures, splicing, testing, and documentation of outside plant fiber optic facilities with relation to Outside Plant (OSP) Construction projects. You will operate the fiber fusion splicer, OTDR, and optical light testers to ensure adherence to TDS fiber splicing standards while ensuring accuracy and timely documentation of the final product for project closing. This role involves completing fiber splicing for projects while coordinating with OSP construction, OSP construction contractors, and internal construction teams to meet project timelines for new network turnup activities.

This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus (payout terms apply) and may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Pay

The pay for this position ranges from $25.13 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.

Responsibilities

• Install fiber enclosures and perform fusion splicing, OTDR, and light level testing.
• Troubleshoot and repair buried and aerial fiber.
• Identify cable faults and complete acceptance testing.
• Document work, update as-builts/redlines, and support project closeout.
• Read construction plans and coordinate daily tasks with OSP teams and contractors.
• Maintain equipment, complete paperwork, and assist Field Services as needed.
• Perform operation of fiber optic fusion splicer, OTDR, and light level testing equipment to facilitate splicing and light level quality according to TDS standards.
• Perform beginner to intermediate operation of all test equipment associated with fiber optic plant facilities splicing, testing, and documentation.
• Install fiber enclosures and optical tap cases; splice, troubleshoot, test, repair, and document all fiber as part of OSP construction projects.
• Identify the location of defective cable and fusion splices using various test equipment.
• Repair buried and aerial fiber optic cables.
• Perform cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Complete all testing documentation and return as part of project closing requirements.
• Receive maps and staking sheets for full construction project and ensure project is spliced, tested, and documented with guidance from team mentors or leadership.
• Communicate updates to the project team as required.
• Take direction on daily and weekly project work based on deadlines, material and equipment availability, weather, and other factors.
• Coordinate with supervisor to ensure continual supply of work and availability of materials.
• Draft and submit redlines and splice documentation upon completion of project.
• Set splice enclosures and splice cases according to design, splice fiber, test, and document all project fiber locations as part of daily activity.
• Engage with Network Services OSP construction teams, OSP construction contractors, and internal construction teams to align with daily tasks.
• Read construction plans and determine best approach for completing fiber splicing work.
• Maintain all project documentation including completion of weekly as-built records and daily production reports.
• Ensure DOT inspections are performed on equipment where required.
• Work with project managers, OSP construction contractors, and internal construction teams to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Service, clean, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Complete all related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provide assistance to Field Services technicians as needed.

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• 1+ year of telecommunications inside or outside plant experience working with fiber optic installation, splicing, and testing experience OR
• 1+ year of telecommunications inside or outside plant experience working with copper or coax installation, splicing, and testing 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 obligations to customers and their needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.

Qualifications

• Understanding of telecommunication products and services with relation to fiber optic technology.
• 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.
• 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.

If 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The associate must also be able to climb poles, ladders, towers or other structures. The associate is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The associate must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and may have to work in attics and crawl spaces, or high-risk areas such as high voltage electrical, trenches, and manholes. The associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The associate is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is at times loud.

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.

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.