Field Service Technician-Network Specialist

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 Specialist you will have overall responsibility for maintaining a highly reliable network of systems including the central office switch, carrier and transmission equipment, fiber electronics, business communication systems, and all other auxiliary equipment. This position is responsible for installation and maintenance of network infrastructure and circuits, as well as digital switch devices and cross‑connects.

It participates on project teams and may lead projects. The position has familiarity with a variety of telecommunications concepts, practices, and procedures, and installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and other business systems).

This position requires direct, face‑to‑face customer contact and is expected to proactively sell TDS services and products. It exceeds customer expectations by performing extraordinary customer service, identifying customer needs, and providing communication solutions. Products and services include Local Service, Central Office Services, Structured Cabling, MAC (Moves, Adds and Changes), Voice Mail, Audio and Video Conferencing, and Non‑regulated CPE.

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

• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, splices, repairs, and maintains telephone equipment and general network equipment, customer premise equipment, Video/CATV/DBS, fiber optic/copper facilities, and other TDS products for new and existing customers; installs, configures, maintains, and repairs PBX, Key Systems, Centrex Systems, business systems, fiber terminals, POTS, ISDN, DSL, T‑1s, and DS3s; identifies location of defective cable using test equipment and repairs buried, aerial, and customer cable;
  
  locates cable and fiber in response to customer requests and construction needs; climbs poles and operates construction equipment; marks company underground facilities; keeps orderly log of locate requests; performs cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, repairs, and maintains central office equipment including switch, operating software, and auxiliary equipment; maintains backups for switch, voicemail, fiber optic terminals; updates manuals and provides functional support.
• Provides advanced troubleshooting support techniques and corrections; responds to "trouble" dispatches.
• Provides high‑level support for record systems (cross‑connects, line groups, network elements).
• Provides excellent customer service and proactively educates and sells TDS products and services to customers.
• Performs project management for the installation of systems and performs related functions as requested by the supervisor.

• 2+ years technical telecommunications experience – or current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
• 1+ year of basic fiber optic and/or copper cable splicing and repair, installation and repair, or switch training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Follow TDS attendance guidelines.

• Upon hire, complete customer‑specific requirements, including background checks.
• Available for on‑call/standby responsibilities and occasional travel; willing to work overtime.
• Must successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum.
• Maintain DOT requirements for operating vehicles with a combined GVRW >10,000 lbs.
• Understanding of telecommunication products and services including fiber, voice, data, and related concepts.
• Practical knowledge of computer applications such as databases, trouble/repair/dispatch systems, plant record systems, MS Office, and CD‑ROMs.
• Independent…