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 you will install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain telecommunications products and equipment that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems). In this position you will perform work associated with splicing and maintaining outside plant facilities and equipment. You will install, splice, repair, and maintain aerial, buried, and/or underground fiber optic and copper cable. As a FST-Network you will have knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of telecommunications. As the FST-Network you will have direct, face-to-face contact with our customers and are expected to be proactive with the sales of TDS services and products. Services include, but are not limited to, Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and/or high speed networks.

In this position you will exceed customer expectations by performing extraordinary customer service, identifying customer needs, and providing them with communications solutions. You will also understand 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. As a FST-Network you 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 30-minute driving distance from the New London, MN warehouse located at: 7901 Chapin Dr NE - New London, MN 56273, Monticello, Minnesota warehouse located at: 316 Pine Street - Monticello, MN 55362 or Winsted, Minnesota warehouse located at:171 2nd Street South Winsted, MN 55395

This position can be hired at either a Field Service Technician (requisition ID #2026-29441), Field Service Technician-Network (requisition ID #2026-29442), or Field Service Technician-Network Specialist (requisition ID #2026-29443) 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.

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 & services for new and existing customers. Installs, configures, maintains, and repairs Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and other business systems such as fiber terminals, ISPs, ISDN, DSL, T-1s, and/or DS3s (carriers, paging, and wireless). 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. 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.
Provides 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 of the installation of systems and performs related functions as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1+ year basic technical telecommunications experience -OR- current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
6+ months 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.
Strong technical understanding of fiber and copper plant installation and troubleshooting.
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.
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.
Ability 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 Transparency

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.