Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician (Foreperson) with $5k Sign on Bonus

TDS•Waunakee, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At TDS Telecom, we don’t just build networks—we build the backbone of modern communities. Our construction teams are on the front lines, installing high‑quality fiber infrastructure that keeps businesses running and families connected. If you’re a skilled construction professional who takes pride in quality work, job‑site leadership, and doing things the right way, this is your opportunity to make your mark. If you have experience leading teams and want to be based close to home, this role is for you. As a Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician (Foreperson), you’d oversee the construction and maintenance of fiber networks, and ensure the team operates according to safety protocols. This is a full‑time, year‑round position where you’ll be hands‑on in the field while coordinating people, equipment, and timelines to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Requirements

2+ years of construction equipment operation utilizing various underground and aerial construction equipment such as directional drills, trencher/plow/rock saw, backhoe, or bucket trucks -OR- current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
1+ years of experience leading construction projects as a crew foreperson or project manager.
Must follow the TDS attendance guidelines in order to meet TDS’s business needs including but not limited to our obligations to our customers and to our customers’ needs.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.
Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as needed.
Ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
Upon hire, 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 administered by the customer.
Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
Frequently required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Must also be able to climb poles, ladders, towers or other structures.
Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
2+ years’ experience in the construction of fiber optic cable outside plant networks -OR- 2+ years installation of any underground or overhead utilities will be considered.
Understanding of telecommunication products and services.
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 as business needs dictate.
Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.
Occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate construction crews building fiber communications facilities.
Operate advanced construction equipment, including: Horizontal directional drills, Trenchers, Backhoes, End loaders, Plows.
Oversee day‑to‑day project execution, production, and quality.
Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, inspectors, and utility partners.
Enforce safety standards and ensure every job site meets TDS safety expectations.
Troubleshoot field challenges and keep projects moving forward.
Receives maps and staking sheets for the full construction project and ensures project is built, with limited guidance from supervisors.
Communicates updates to the project team as required.
Manages daily and weekly project work based on deadlines, material and equipment availability, weather, and other factors.
Coordinates with supervisor to ensure continual supply of work and availability of materials.
Drafts and submits redlines upon completion of project.
Ensures locates are performed on time and prior to team and equipment arriving at the worksite.
Regularly engages municipalities, utility companies, suppliers, contractors, and property owners in order to smoothly coordinate project tasks and avoid disputes.
Reads construction plans and municipality permits, and determines approach for completing work.
Maintains all project documentation and records costs of project materials and material transfers.
Ensures DOT inspections are performed on equipment.
Works with project managers to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
Performs general construction labor in various weather conditions while utilizing safety fundamentals.
Advanced operation of trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, plows, and other excavating equipment to construct and maintain outside plant cable facilities.
Advanced operation of all test equipment associated with outside plant facilities and construction duties.
Installs, troubleshoots, tests, splices, repairs, and maintains fiber optic facilities.
Identifies location of defective cable using various test equipment and repairs buried, aerial, underground, and/or customer cable.
Locates cable and fiber in response to customer requests and/or construction needs.
Performs cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
Actively trains, monitors, and coaches team members while sharing construction knowledge and experience.
Performs quality control inspections and makes training recommendations.
Ensures safety protocols are enforced.
Services, cleans, maintains, and repairs equipment.
Completes all related paperwork in a timely manner.
Provides assistance to field services technicians, as needed.

Benefits

$5,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply).
Weekly performance incentives — earn up to $75/week when your team hits production goals.
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
Stable, full‑time, year‑round work —no seasonal layoffs.
Build infrastructure that will serve communities for decades.
Opportunity to earn a Class A CDL through TDS’s in‑house training program.
Participate in 2–3 weeks of paid safety training after hire.
Join a company with 50+ years of telecom experience and a strong reputation for fiber innovation.
Grow your career with a team that values skill, leadership, and accountability.
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
Opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups