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?

As a Field Service Technician-Network Specialist you will have overall responsibility for maintaining a highly reliable network of systems including the central office switch, carrier and transmission equipment, fiber electronics, business communication systems, and/or all other auxiliary equipment. This position is responsible for installation and maintenance of network infrastructure and circuits, as well as digital switch devices and cross connects. This position participates on project teams and may lead projects. This position has a familiarity with a variety of the telecommunications concepts, practices, and procedures. This position also installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems); installs, maintains, and repairs switching equipment including carrier, DSAs, remotes and related transmission equipment as well as complex PBX systems. Services include but are not limited to Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and/or high speed networks.

The Field Service Technician-Network Specialist has direct, face-to-face contact with our customers and is expected to be proactive with the sales of TDS services and products. This position exceeds customer expectations by performing extraordinary customer service, identifying customer needs, and providing them with communications solutions. This position understands how to use and demonstrate TDS products and seeks sales opportunities while educating the customer. Products & services include (but are not limited to): Local Service, Central Office Services, Structured Cabling, MAC (Moves, Adds and Changes), Voice Mail, Audio and/or Video Conferencing, and Non-regulated CPE.

The Field Service Technician-Network Specialist may be responsible for performing varied or additional duties to meet demands of TDS which may include duties of other Field Services Technician positions.

Due to in-field support and on-call requirements, the individual selected for this position will be required to reside within a 60-minute distance from the Centre, Alabama warehouse located at: 602 E Main Street - Centre, Alabama 35960.

This position can be hired at either a Field Service Technician (requisition ID #2026-29466), Field Service Technician-Network (requisition ID #2026-29467), or Field Service Technician-Network Specialist (requisition ID #2026-29468) level depending on the skills and qualifications of the candidate. Different job postings exist for each of these positions. Please reference each job posting for the minimum qualifications required for each role and submit an application for each level that you are both interested and qualified for.

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Terms and conditions of employment, including pay, benefits, and work rules, are governed by that agreement.

Responsibilities

Installs, troubleshoots, tests, splices, repairs, and maintains telephone equipment and general network equipment, customer premise equipment, Video/CATV/DBS, fiber optic/copper facilities, and/or other TDS products for new and existing customers. Installs, configures, maintains, and repairs PBX, Key Systems, Centrex Systems, business systems, fiber terminals, POTS, ISDN, DSL, T-1s, and/or DS3s (carriers, paging & wireless). Identifies location of defective cable using various test equipment and repairs buried, aerial, and/or customer cable. Locates cable and fiber in response to customer requests and/or construction needs. Pole climbing and operating construction equipment is required. Locates, identifies, and marks company underground and buried facilities to prevent facilities from being damaged. Keeps orderly log of all locate requests in our exchange area. Performs cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
Installs, troubleshoots, tests, repairs, and maintains central office equipment including switch, operating software, and/or other auxiliary equipment. Maintains back-ups to the switch, voicemail, fiber optic terminals, etc. Updates manuals and provides functional support, answering questions about features and functions.
Provides advanced troubleshooting support techniques and corrections. Responds to “trouble” dispatches.
Provides high level support for enhancing and maintaining record systems (cross connects, line groups, network elements, etc).
Provides excellent customer service. Proactively educates and sells TDS products and services to customers.
Performs project management for the installation of systems and performs related functions as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

2+ years technical telecommunications experience -OR- current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
1+ year of basic fiber optic and/or copper cable splicing and repair, installation and repair, or switch training.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
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.

Other Qualifications

Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
Requires being available for on-call/standby responsibilities and may require occasional travel. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum.
Ability to maintain DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements in relation to operating vehicles with a combined GVRW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of >10,000 lbs.
Understanding of telecommunication products and services: Inside Wiring/ Cable, Internet/Intranet, Bonding & Grounding, Data & Computers/Transmission Concepts, Fiber Optic Transmission, Static Sensitive Equipment, Color Codes, Structured Wiring, Video/CATV/DBS Installation, Inventory Systems, Cable Locating, Battery Maintenance, Key Systems/PBX, Centrex, Switch Maintenance, Voicemail, Special Circuits, Fiber Terminals, Subscriber CXR Terminals, T-1s, ISPs, DSL, ISDN Voice & Data, Testing & Certifying Loops To Support Data, Voice, and/or Video, IP Telephony Systems/Applications, DSA, DSLAM/RAM, Connecting company testing, WAN/LAN/Data Networks, Switch Installations & Additions and/or ATM Switches and Networks.
Practical knowledge/experience with computer applications including (but not limited to): Databases, Trouble/Repair/Dispatch Systems, Plant Record Systems, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Explorer, and CD-ROMs.
Ability to work and make decisions independently with little or no supervision.
Demonstrated customer service and sales skills, as well as effective communications skills (verbal and written) for interaction with internal and external customers.
Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
Physical requirements may vary based on company needs: Operation of heavy construction machinery, such as bucket truck, drop plow, and backhoe. Ability to dig, lift and climb.
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.

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!

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 Range (Hr./Yr.)

$0.00/Hr. - $0.00/Hr.