Fiber Construction Technician

TDS Telecom; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 31,161 - 57,060; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

401(k) Plan

Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

TDS Telecom is seeking a Fiber Construction Technician in Appleton, WI. This full-time position involves installing and maintaining buried and aerial fiber facilities while operating construction equipment. If you enjoy hands-on outdoor work and making a community impact, this role is for you.

Candidates should have relevant experience in customer service or technical fields. Benefits include a robust benefits package and a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Flexible scheduling and growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in any combination of customer service, electrical or utility construction, technical certification, or military service.
• Valid driver's license and DOT eligibility required.
• Physical capability to perform outdoor work including climbing and lifting.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment safely.
• Support fiber splicing and assist installation tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work in various weather conditions

Physical stamina

Education

Technical certification or military experience

Tools

Construction equipment

Cable locators

Testing equipment

Job description

Fiber Construction Technician

Job Locations: US-WI-Appleton | US-WI-Green Bay

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 for training.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $41.42 per hour. The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards. This role includes a $5,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance. Outside Plant Construction Technicians can also earn up to $75 per week in incentives when the team meets production targets.

What You’ll Do

• 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.
• Assist with and execute installation of fiber based on maps, staking sheets, and location markings.
• Operate hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment.
• Utilize dispatching applications and relevant tools for project coordination.
• Support fiber splicing, repairs, and outside plant maintenance activities.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• 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.

Training

• 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.

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For

• 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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Aids in transporting construction equipment to and from the worksite.
• Assists with and executes the installation of aerial and buried fiber based on maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
• Operates hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment as needed.
• Installs and sets enclosures, including buried and aerial vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
• Climbs poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as required, utilizing a bucket truck when necessary.
• Labels and marks fiber optic facilities accurately.
• Utilizes dispatching applications and relevant tools for project coordination.
• Supports fiber splicing, repairs, and outside plant maintenance activities.
• Restores landscapes to original condition upon project completion.

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

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

Other Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in‑house CDL certification program after hire.
• Physical requirements may vary: Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Training course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer‑specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• 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 and may be required to work various/swing shifts.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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.

Benefits

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 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
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high‑speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid‑sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting‑edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.