Fiber Construction Technician

TDS Telecommunications LLC; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 31,161 - 57,060; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Vacation & Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays & Floating Holiday

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Disability Coverage

Job summary

TDS Telecom is seeking a Fiber Construction Technician in Great Falls, MT. The role involves outside plant construction for PON/fiber networks, including installation support for buried and aerial facilities. Training may lead to a Class A CDL, with on-the-job safety and equipment operation built into the program.

Responsibilities include hauling equipment, laying fiber per maps, using locators and test gear, and servicing enclosures and vaults. Occasional travel and overtime may be 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.
• May require a Class A CDL; in-house CDL certification is available after hire.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

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.

Training

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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 noise is common.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits to support health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. 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+ hours per week have access to Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, TDS Service Discounts, Education Assistance, Paid Volunteer Time

In addition, associates may participate in Associate Resource Groups to encourage community and professional development. For more information, visit the company website.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $41.42 per hour. The listed range reflects base salary; actual offers depend on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some roles may include additional compensation such as bonuses or equity.