Fiber Construction Technician I

TDS Telecommunications LLC; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 31,161 - 46,755; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance

Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

Job summary

TDS Telecommunications LLC is seeking an Outside Plant Construction Technician I in Helena, MT. This full-time role involves general construction and maintenance of fiber optic facilities, requiring effective communication, attention to detail, and at least 6 months of related experience. Candidates must have a valid driver's license, with opportunities for CDL training. The position offers a competitive pay range of $22.62 to $33.94 per hour, along with comprehensive benefits and flexibility in schedule.

Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in customer service, electrical or utility construction.
• Must maintain valid driver's license and meet DOT requirements.
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction and maintenance of fiber facilities.
• Operate construction equipment to build and repair networks.
• Conduct cable fault acceptance tests and resolve issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Self-motivated

Understanding of telecommunication systems

Education

Technical certification or greater

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 and create a better world through meaningful connections.

Position

Outside Plant Construction Technician I – Helena, MT

Schedule

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour‑per‑week role with a flexible schedule. Please note that the schedule may vary depending on the specific market.

Why Join Us?

As a member of our Construction and Service Enablement team at TDS, you’ll play a critical role in building and maintaining cutting‑edge fiber optic networks across urban, suburban, and rural areas. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is a leader in fiber internet innovation, delivering up to 10 gigabit speeds to homes and businesses. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

Responsibilities

Perform general construction and maintenance of aerial and buried fiber facilities, ensuring compliance with maps, staking sheets, and safety standards. This includes:

• Operate and maintain construction equipment, including excavation tools, to build and repair outside plant fiber networks.
• Install, splice, test, troubleshoot, and repair fiber optic facilities using specialized equipment.
• Conduct cable fault acceptance tests, locate defective fiber, and resolve issues efficiently.
• Update GIS, maps, and as‑builts; set and label infrastructure such as peds, vaults, and handholes.
• Restore worksites to the original condition upon project completion.
• Train and mentor team members as needed and maintain construction equipment.
• Provide support to field service technicians and complete required documentation promptly.

The functions listed above describe the general nature and level of work performed by associates assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Self‑motivated, driven, ambitious with a desire to improve.
• Attention to detail, commitment to safety protocols, and pride in precision.
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in collaborative environments.
• Solid understanding of telecommunication systems and equipment operation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in any combination of customer service, electrical or utility construction, or TDS Telecom Field Services internship – or technical certification (or higher) – or current military service, or 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; 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; 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.
• 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 and various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Requires frequent use of hands, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and more than 100 pounds occasionally. Exposure to outdoor weather, high‑risk areas such as high voltage electrical, trenches, and manholes; exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, vibration, wet/humid conditions, toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and loud noise.

Benefits

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 (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.

All associates can participate in Associate Resource Groups designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development.

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.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $33.94 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.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)

$22.62/Hr. – $33.94/Hr.