Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician

TDS•Appleton, WI

6d•$30 - $45

About The Position

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? This position is full‑time, year‑round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training. As a Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician in Appleton, WI, you will oversee the construction and maintenance of PON/fiber network communications facilities in TDS Telecom serving areas. Performs advanced operation of construction equipment which includes, but is not limited to, trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, and plows. Manages the overall project while coordinating with internal and external resources. Ensures the entire team operates according to safety protocols. 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. Training: As a Senior Outside Plant Construction Technician, you will have the opportunity to obtain a Class A CDL through our in-house training program. You will attend safety training at one of our new facilities where you will also be trained on Pole Climbing and Bucket Trucks. On-the-job training includes exposure to various construction equipment including Directional Drill Rigs, Mini Excavators, Trenchers, and Locators. Fiber optic training includes Fusion Splicing, Fault Detection, and exposure to OTDRs and other advanced testing equipment. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

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.
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
Physical requirements may vary based on company needs: 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.