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. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

Join Our Team as an Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller in Meridian, ID!

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting-edge fiber technology to life? As a Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD) II, you'll be at the heart of building and maintaining our state-of-the-art PON/fiber network.

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!

Please note: This position may be filled as a Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller II (ID #2026-29262) or III (ID #2026-29263), based on the candidate's skills and qualifications. Separate job postings outline the minimum requirements for each role. Please review both postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified and interested.

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 that connect communities nationwide. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is a leader in fiber internet innovation, delivering up to 10 Gigabit speeds to homes and businesses. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your skills in construction, safety, and technology will directly impact the future of connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

**This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.**

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

Self-Motivated: You’re driven, ambitious, and always looking for ways to improve.
Attention to Detail: You are committed to following safety protocols, and you take pride in precision, ensuring every measurement and assembly is accurate.
Teamwork and Communication: You have strong communication skills and thrive in collaborative environments.
Technical Proficiency: You have a solid understanding of telecommunication systems and equipment operation.

What You’ll Do:

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

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 like peds, vaults, and handholes.
Restore worksites to 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 are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1+ years of construction equipment operation utilizing various underground and aerial construction equipment such as directional drills, trencher/plow/rocksaw, backhoe, or bucket trucks -OR- current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
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.

Other Qualifications

Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
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 inlude a background check administered by the customer.
Preferred 1+ years’ experience in the construction of fiber optic cable outside plant networks -OR- installation of any underground or overhead utilities will be considered.
Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
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.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Training

As an Outside Plant Construction Technician II, 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.

The duration of training varies based on the team assignment. Training for underground teams is 3 weeks, with an additional 1 week required for aerial training. Depending on factors such as market needs, prior skills, and team size, some individuals may only complete underground training, while others may undergo the full 4-week program, including aerial training.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role requires frequent standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and handling equipment, with the ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds regularly and over 100 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus.

Work conditions often include exposure to outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, high-risk areas (e.g., high voltage, trenches, manholes), and mechanical equipment. Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, fumes, and loud noise is expected.

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

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

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

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

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

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 *$25.13 to $37.69 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.)

$25.13/Hr. - $37.69/Hr.

Fiber Construction Horizontal Directional Driller II