Fiber Construction Technician

Overview

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. Ready to make an impact?

Join our Internal Construction Crew (ICC) in Great Falls, MT! 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 (buried and aerial). Work is performed in accordance with state and local regulations in a safe manner.

As a Fiber Construction Technician
, you may obtain a Class A CDL through our in-house training program. Training includes safety, pole climbing, and bucket trucks. On-the-job training covers various construction equipment (Directional Drill Rigs, Mini Excavators, Trenchers, Locators). Fiber optic training includes Fusion Splicing, Fault Detection, and exposure to OTDRs and other advanced testing equipment. The duration of training varies by team assignment: underground training is 3 weeks, plus 1 week of aerial training.

Some individuals may complete only underground training; others may complete a 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 adhering to safety fundamentals.
• Transports required construction equipment to and from the worksite.
• Places 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 applications and associated tools.
• Assists with fiber splicing and repairs.
• Assists with outside plant preventative maintenance.
• Serves, cleans, maintains, and repairs equipment.
• Completes related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provides assistance to field services technicians as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in customer service, electrical or utility construction, technical certification (or higher), current military service, or prior honorable discharge.
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be eligible for DOT requirements.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL; current CDL is preferred at hire, but in-house CDL certification is available after hire.
• Physical ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; kneel, dig, lift, and pull as needed.
• Must pass all components of Safety Training course curriculum at hire.
• May require a customer background check; may include other customer-specific requirements.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Willingness to work overtime; may be required to work various/swing shifts.
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Note:

If you meet the Required Qualifications and are unsure how your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Experience and skills come in many forms and can still lead to success.

This role involves frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly (occasionally more than 100 pounds). Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and depth perception. Work conditions often include outdoor environments, attics, crawl spaces, and high-risk areas like high voltage zones, trenches, and manholes. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud…