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. This full‑time, year‑round role works close to home with only limited travel for training.

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $41.42 per hour. This role includes a $5,000 sign‑on bonus and may qualify for relocation assistance. Outside Plant Construction Technicians can earn up to $75 per week in incentives when production targets are met.

• 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.

• 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.

• 6+ months experience in any combination of customer service, electrical or utility construction, or technical certification.
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.

• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL; a current CDL is preferred at hire.
• Physical requirements:
  
  climb poles, ladders, towers, kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Must successfully pass Safety Training and customer‑specific requirements.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed; various/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). Work conditions often include outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high‑risk areas. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous vacation & paid sick leave, seven paid national holidays & one floating holiday, paid parental leave, adoption & surrogacy assistance, and 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, and paid volunteer time.

All associates can participate in Associate Resource Groups and other development opportunities.

TDS Telecom provides high‑speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting‑edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide.

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.