Outside Plant Construction Technician

Overview

Join TDS Telecom and help build the fiber networks that keep our communities connected. As an Outside Plant Construction Technician, you’ll perform hands‑on work installing and maintaining buried and aerial fiber facilities while operating industry‑standard construction equipment. If you enjoy working outdoors, learning high‑demand technical skills, and making a real impact on your community, this role is for you. This position is full‑time, year‑round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training.

This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus! In addition, Outside Plant Construction Technicians can earn up to $75 per week in incentives when your team meets production targets.

• Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.

• Hands‑on, outdoor work building real infrastructure that matters.
• Flexible, full‑time year‑round schedule.
• Work with a company that has 50+ years of telecom experience and a strong reputation for fiber innovation.

• Safety training, pole climbing, bucket truck operation.
• Fiber optic basics: fusion splicing, fault detection, OTDR.
• Construction equipment operation (drill rigs, trenchers, mini excavators).
• CDL training for qualified associates.

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.

• Motivated, detail‑oriented team players with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
• Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.
• 6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, or a technical certification, or military service.
• Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in customer service, electrical or utility construction, or technical certification (or higher).
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
• Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred; TDS will train and certify eligible associates.
• Physical capabilities: climb poles, ladders, towers; kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Successfully pass all components of the Safety Training course curriculum upon hire.
• Background check (customer‑specific requirements).
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunications products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Willingness to work overtime, swing shifts, as business needs dictate.

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.

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…