Outside Plant Construction Technician III

Outside Plant Construction Technician III

Join TDS Telecommunications LLC as an Outside Plant Construction Technician III in Meridian,  role will involve building and maintaining our state‑of‑the‑art fiber network, installing buried and aerial fiber facilities, and operating construction equipment such as trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, horizontal directional drills, and more.

At TDS Telecom, we connect people by leveraging cutting‑ fiber technology. We are committed to excellence, safety, and innovation, creating a better world through meaningful connections. If you enjoy working outdoors, handling equipment, and making a tangible impact in your community, we want you on our team.

Full‑time, 40‑hour per week, with a flexible schedule that may vary by market.

• Assist the Sr. Outside Plant Construction Technician with crew communication, oversight, quality control inspections, and safety enforcement.
• Operate trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, plows, horizontal directional drills, and other excavation equipment to construct and maintain cable facilities.
• Locate cable, fiber, and utilities; perform landscape restoration after completion.
• Engage municipalities, utilities, contractors, and property owners to coordinate project tasks and resolve disputes.
• Receive and use maps, staking sheets, and GIS information to ensure accurate construction and record‑keeping.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes; mark/label fiber and copper facilities; perform new aerial and buried fiber placement.
• Service, clean, maintain, and repair equipment; check DOT logs and vehicle conditions; report issues to the Senior Tech.
• Complete all related paperwork promptly and assist Field Services technicians as needed.

• 2+ years of construction equipment operation experience (trencher/plow/rocksaw, backhoe, bucket truck, or similar) or current/prior honorable military service.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for DOT requirements.
• Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Must pass all components of the Safety Training course and any customer‑specific background checks upon hire.
• Prefer 3+ months of utility location experience.
• Prefer 2+ years in fiber optic cable outside‑plant construction or installation of underground/higher utilities.
• Understanding of telecommunications products and services; horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• May require occasional travel and willingness to work overtime or on swing shifts.
• Ability to operate manual‑transmission vehicles.
• Class A CDL preferred; TDS will train and certify eligible hires.

Hands‑on tasks such as standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds (occasionally 100+ pounds). Exposure to weather conditions, moving machinery, high voltage areas, fumes, vibrations, wet or humid environments, and loud noise.

• Medical, Dental, and 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)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability (for 30+ hrs/week)
• TDS Service Discounts, Education Assistance, Paid Volunteer Time

All associates eligible to participate in Associate Resource Groups and other professional development opportunities.

$27.62 to $41.42 per hour, based on skills, experience, and location. Some positions may offer bonuses or equity awards.

TDS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.