Tower Top Hand (Detroit, MI)

Thayer; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Thayer is seeking a skilled Top Hand/Tower Climber to join our Midwest/Northeast operations. You will safely modify, repair and upgrade wireless equipment at heights, assist in tower construction, grounding, and testing, and work with a foreman to supervise 2–5 climbers.

Candidates should have 3–4 years’ top-hand experience, own tool knowledge, and the ability to travel. A pre-employment drug screen and OSHA-related familiarity are required.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years as a Top Hand or equivalent field experience.
• Background in mechanical, construction, electrical, or related work preferred.
• Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet or taller and travel across Northeast & Midwest US.
• Background check and pre-employment drug screen required, plus random testing policy compliance.
• Knowledge of using hand tools, math and measurements; basic English.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety policies and practices (ANSI A10.48, NATE CTS) and ensure 100% tie-off.
• Perform modifications, repairs, and upgrades of wireless equipment at elevated heights.
• Assist tower crew foreman with tower construction, antennas, grounding, and testing.
• Supervise a crew of 2–5 climbers and coordinate with foreman.
• Read blueprints/CDs and execute scope of work per customer specifications.
• Conduct pre-work and post-work site audits; ensure progress is reported.

Skills

Safety mindset

Travel willingness

Blueprint reading

Team leadership

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Testing equipment (RF/PIM)

Job description

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Since being founded in 1964 by David O. Thayer, Thayer Power & Communication Line Construction Co., LLC has become one of the premier contractors in the Fiber, Power, and Wireless construction industries. Building a team with experience has allowed the company to provide excellent customer service and be a partner to its clients from concept to reality. As the utility industry evolves, TPC evolves right along with it making sure no matter what we put safety first, last, and always.

Since being founded in 1964 by David O. Thayer, Thayer Power & Communication Line Construction Co., LLC has become one of the premier contractors in the Fiber, Power, and Wireless construction industries. Building a team with experience has allowed the company to provide excellent customer service and be a partner to its clients from concept to reality. As the utility industry evolves, TPC evolves right along with it making sure no matter what we put safety first, last, and always.

Job Responsibilities:

• Thorough understanding and strict adherence to American Cell's Safety Policies and Practices
• Ensure Safety is always prioritized and adhered to including 100% tie off, proper methods and procedures, rigging, daily JHA’s
• Safely and efficiently complete modifications, repairs, and upgrades of wireless equipment and antennas at elevated heights as directed by Foreman
• Assist the Tower Crew Foreman/Crew Leader and fellow crew members with tower construction activities including assembling/erecting towers, installing antennas and radios, mounting hardware, installing fiber and connectors, grounding, testing, positioning, and optimizing antennas and lines
• Assist Tower Foreman with Supervision of a crew of 2-5 climbers
• Assist in installation, connection and testing underground and above ground grounding systems
• Complete work in a safe, timely and efficient manner as directed by the Foreman
• Identify all materials and other resources needed to complete the project.
• Understand and comply with ANSI A10.48, NATE CTS
• Perform daily job-site safety inspections on equipment prior to operation
• Ensure Foreman is apprised of construction progress, concerns, and deviations from plans or established schedule
• Maintain proper use of company vehicles, credit cards and other assigned assets
• Read customer blueprints/CD’s and execute scope of work per the customer’s specifications
• Pre-Work and Post-Work site audits
• Site upgrades and capacity expansion
• Pick up/delivery of supplies, tools, equipment, components, etc.
• Maintain clean, orderly environment adhering to company policies and industry regulation/standard(s) (OSHA)
• Climb to elevated heights working safely and effectively
• Observe project sites for defects and safety hazards that may require attention
• Attend vendor and in-house training and participate in certification programs as necessary
• Ability and willingness to train other team members
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• 3-4 Years as a Top Hand
• Prior hands-on mechanical, construction, electrical, or equivalent working experience is preferred
• Ability to work at heights on rooftops, telephone poles, and/or towers upwards of 300 feet or taller
• Ability to travel throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States as necessary
• Ability to work extended work hours throughout the week and weekend
• High school degree or GED equivalent
• Knowledge of using hand tools, math, and measuring
• Basic knowledge of English Language
• Background and Pre-Employment Drug screen is required as well as participation in company random testing policy for alcohol and drug use

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Thorough understanding and strict adherence to Thayer Power & Communication's Safety Policies and Practices
• Ensure Safety is always prioritized and adhered to including 100% tie off, proper methods and procedures, rigging, daily JHA’s
• Safely and efficiently complete modifications, repairs, and upgrades of wireless equipment and antennas at elevated heights as directed by Foreman
• Assist the Tower Crew Foreman/Crew Leader and fellow crew members with tower construction activities including assembling/erecting towers, installing antennas and radios, mounting hardware, installing fiber and connectors, grounding, testing, positioning, and optimizing antennas and lines
• Assist Tower Foreman with Supervision of a crew of 2-5 climbers
• Assist in installation, connection and testing underground and above ground grounding systemsComplete work in a safe, timely and efficient manner as directed by the Foreman
• Identify all materials and other resources needed to complete the project.
• Perform daily job-site safety inspections on equipment prior to operation
• Ensure Foreman is apprised of construction progress, concerns, and deviations from plans or established schedule
• Understand customer blueprints/CD’s and execute scope of work per the customer’s specifications
• Site upgrades and capacity expansion
• Maintain clean, orderly environment adhering to company policies and industry regulation/standard(s) (OSHA)
• Climb to elevated heights working safely and effectively
• Observe project sites for defects and safety hazards that may require attention
• Attend vendor and in-house training and participate in certification programs as necessary
• Ability and willingness to train other team members
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• 3-4 Years as a Top Hand
• Prior hands-on mechanical, construction, electrical, or equivalent working experience is preferred
• Ability to work at heights on rooftops, and/or towers upwards of 300 feet or taller
• Ability to travel
• Ability to work extended work hours throughout the week and weekend
• High school degree or GED equivalent
• Knowledge of using hand tools, math, and measuring
• Basic knowledge of English Language
• Background and Pre-Employment Drug screen is required as well as participation in company random testing policy for alcohol and drug use

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• OSHA 30 preferred
• Current authorized tower climber or competent climber and rescue certification
• Experience installing and maintaining: Cabling, Antennas, Microwave dish, tower builds (NEW/MODS), site inspections, FAA lighting systems, cell carriers
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain certifications for the following courses: Authorized/ Competent Climber, Authorized/Competent Rescuer, ANSI A10.48 Rigging Certification, Capstan Operations, RF Awareness, OSHA 30, NWSA, First Aid/ CPR and other certifications as required
• Preferred carrier experience such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint, US Cellular, Dish
• Preferred experience with assembling/erecting/installing and decommissioning towers, tower booms, mounts, antennas, radios, cabling, excavation/ trenching, conduit, concrete/ rebar foundations, guy plum & tensioning, basic electrical knowledge (to include knowledge and understanding of NEC/NFPA and other applicable industry standards for electrical).
• Knowledge of and ability to operate various testing equipment (i.e. RF sweep gear, PIM, 3-Z and fiber testing)
• PIM/Sweep certification preferred but not required from Anritsu, Kaelus, or like
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Other Duties as Assigned:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Walk, crawl or kneel / use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls / reach with hands and arms / climb ladders, stairs or other elevated/ fixed structures for extended periods of time
• Sit, stand, drive and climb for extended periods of time
• Work at times may be in extreme conditions such as high and low temperatures, snow, rain, high winds throughout the year and 4 seasons
• Lift and/or move a minimum of 50lbs regularly
• Perform duties on-site and underground at industrial locations
• Wear safety equipment: as per OSHA/MSHA/ANSI requirements including but not limited steel toed and/or metatarsal shoes, hard hat, required PPE for elevated work, fire retardant clothing, protective eye wear, etc.
• Be safety and customer-focused, without exception