Field Service Technician-Network

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?

As a Field Service Technician–Network you will install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain telecommunications products and equipment that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems). The role involves splicing and maintaining outside plant facilities and equipment, including aerial, buried, and underground fiber optic and copper cable. You will have knowledge of commonly used practices in telecommunications and will have direct, face‑to‑face contact with customers.

You will also be proactive in selling TDS services and products, including Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and high‑speed networks. Additional duties may include responsibilities of other Field Services Technician positions.

Due to in‑field support and on‑call requirements, the individual selected for this position will be required to reside within a 60‑minute distance from the Centre, Alabama warehouse located at 602 E Main Street – Centre, Alabama 35960.

This position can be hired at either a Field Service Technician (requisition  # 2026‑29466), Field Service Technician‑Network (requisition  # 2026‑29467), or Field Service Technician‑Network Specialist (requisition  # 2026‑29468) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. Please reference each job posting for the minimum qualifications required for each role and submit an application for each level that you are interested in.

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Terms and conditions of employment, including pay, benefits, and work rules, are governed by that agreement.

• Assist with and perform on‑site installation, troubleshooting, testing, splicing, repairing, and maintaining telephone equipment, general network equipment, customer premise equipment, Video/CATV/DBS, fiber optic/copper facilities, and other TDS products and services for new and existing customers.
• Identify locations of defective cable using testing equipment and repair buried, aerial, underground, and customer cable. Locate and mark company underground and buried facilities to prevent damage. Keep an orderly log of all locate requests in the exchange area and perform cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Assist with troubleshooting support techniques and corrections. Respond to “trouble” dispatches.
• Assist with and provide support for enhancing and maintaining record systems (cross‑connects, line groups, network elements, etc.).
• Provide excellent customer service and proactively educate and sell TDS products and services to customers.
• Gain working knowledge of RUS Standards and grounding practices associated with splicing and maintenance of outside plant facilities and equipment.

• 1+ year basic technical telecommunications experience or current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
• 6+ months of basic fiber optic and/or copper cable splicing and repair, installation and repair, or switch training.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business and customer needs.

• Upon hire, successfully complete customer‑specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Available for on‑call/standby responsibilities and occasional travel; willing to work overtime as needed.
• Upon hire, successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum. Ability to maintain DOT requirements in relation to operating vehicles with a combined GVRW over 10,000 lbs.
• Strong technical understanding of fiber and copper plant installation and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of telecommunication products and services, including inside wiring/cable, internet/intranet, bonding & grounding, data & computers/transmission concepts, fiber optic…