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?
We are looking for a Fiber Splicer – Outside Plant Construction based in Spokane, Washington. This role is responsible for the placement of enclosures, splicing, testing, and documentation of outside plant fiber optic facilities within OSP construction projects. The position is eligible for a $1,000 sign‑on bonus, and relocation assistance may be available.
Responsibilities & Key Duties
- Install fiber enclosures and perform fusion splicing, OTDR, and light‑level testing.
- Troubleshoot and repair buried and aerial fiber.
- Identify cable faults and complete acceptance testing.
- Document work, update as‑built/redlines, and support project closeout.
- Read construction plans and coordinate daily tasks with OSP teams and contractors.
- Maintain equipment, complete paperwork, and assist Field Services as needed.
- Operate fiber optic fusion splicer, OTDR, and light‑level testing equipment to meet TDS standards.
- Perform beginner to intermediate operation of all test equipment associated with fiber optic plant facility splicing, testing, and documentation.
- Install fiber enclosures and optical tap cases; splice, troubleshoot, test, repair, and document all fiber as part of OSP construction projects.
- Identify the location of defective cable and fusion splices using various test equipment.
- Repair buried and aerial fiber optic cables.
- Perform cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
- Complete all testing documentation and return as part of project closing requirements.
- Receive maps and staking sheets for full construction project and ensure project is spliced, tested, and documented with guidance from team mentors or leadership.
- Communicate updates to the project team as required.
- Takes direction on daily and weekly project work based on deadlines, material and equipment availability, weather, and other factors.
- Coordinate with supervisor to ensure continual supply of work and availability of materials.
- Draft and submit redlines and splice documentation upon completion of project.
- Set splice enclosures and splice cases according to design, splice fiber, test, and document all project fiber locations as part of daily activity.
- Regularly engage with Network Services OSP construction teams, OSP construction contractors and internal construction teams to align with daily tasks.
- Read construction plans and determine best approach for completing fiber splicing work.
- Maintain all project documentation including completion of weekly as‑built records and daily production reports.
- Ensure DOT inspections are performed on equipment where required.
- Work with project managers, OSP construction contractors, and internal construction teams to ensure projects remain on schedule.
- Service, clean, maintain, and repair equipment.
- Complete all related paperwork in a timely manner.
- Provide assistance to Field Services technicians as needed.
Required Qualifications
- 1+ year of telecommunications inside or outside plant experience working with fiber optic installation, splicing, and testing; OR 1+ year with copper or coax installation, splicing, and testing; OR current or prior honorable‑discharge military service.
- Must follow the TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.
Other Qualifications
- Understanding of telecommunication products and services related to fiber optic technology.
- Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
- 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.
- Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
- May require occasional travel.
- Must be willing to work overtime as needed; may be required to work various/swing shifts.
- Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The associate frequently stands, walks, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The associate must also climb poles, ladders, towers or other structures. Occasionally the associate sits, reaches with hands and arms, climbs or balances, and tastes or smells. The associate regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The associate is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and may work in attics and crawl spaces, or high‑risk areas such as high voltage electrical, trenches, and manholes. The associate frequently is exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The associate is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is at times loud.
Pay Transparency
Pay for this position ranges from $25.13 to $41.42 per hour. The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.
Benefits
- 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
- Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
- TDS Service Discounts
- Education Assistance
- Paid Volunteer Time
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‑size 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 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 Statement
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.