Horizontal Directional Driller - Fiber Construction

TDS Telecom; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 31,684 - 56,481; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Education assistance

Job summary

TDS Telecom is seeking a Horizontal Directional Driller – Fiber Construction in Wisconsin to build and maintain our fiber network. You will work on drills, install and repair fiber lines, and support splicing and testing while traveling for training as needed.

Eligible candidates may receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus with relocation assistance possible and incentives up to $75 weekly when targets are met. This is a full-time, year-round role based in or near Madison/Waunakee/Janesville.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months experience in customer service, electrical or utility construction, or similar technical roles.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet DOT requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drill or locate for the drill.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.

Skills

Customer service

Utility construction

Driver's license

Job description

Horizontal Directional Driller – Fiber Construction

Job Locations: US‑WI‑Madison | US‑WI‑Waunakee | US‑WI‑Janesville

Overview

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting‑edge fiber technology to life? As part of our Horizontal Directional Drilling Team, you'll be at the heart of building and maintaining our state‑of‑the‑art PON/fiber network. If you have experience with horizontal directional drilling or locating for the drill, and want to be based close to home, this role is for you. This position is full‑time, year‑round, with a few weeks of travel required 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 factors such as 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 your team meets production targets.

From installing buried and aerial fiber facilities to mastering construction equipment like trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, and plows, you'll make a real impact every day. You'll also install, test, troubleshoot, and repair fiber facilities to keep our customers connected. If you love working with your hands, being outdoors, and making a difference in your community, this is the role for you!

Job Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drill or locate for the drill.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• 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.
• 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 and copper 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.
• Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.

What We're Looking For

• Self‑Motivated: Driven, ambitious, and always looking for ways to improve.
• Attention to Detail: Committed to following safety protocols and taking pride in precision.
• Teamwork and Communication: Strong communication skills and thrives in collaborative environments.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months experience in customer service, electrical or utility construction, or similar technical roles.
• Must follow attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet DOT requirements.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL; a current CDL is preferred at hire.
• Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; kneel, dig, lift, and pull as needed.
• Must pass all components of the Safety Training course and customer‑specific requirements, which may include a background check.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunications products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Willingness to work overtime and possibly swing shifts.
• Ability to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

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, high‑risk areas like high voltage zones, trenches, and manholes. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & surrogacy assistance
• Employee assistance and 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

Additional Opportunities

All associates can participate in our Associate Resource Groups, designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. Learn more by contacting HR.

About TDS Telecom

TDS Telecom provides high‑speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities across the U.S., including small to mid‑sized urban, suburban, and rural areas. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks nationwide. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

Equal Employment Opportunity

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 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.