The FST-Network installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains telecommunications products and equipment that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems). This position performs work associated with splicing and maintaining outside plant facilities and equipment. This position installs, splices, repairs, and maintains aerial, buried, and/or underground fiber optic and copper cable. The FST-Network has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of telecommunications.

The FST-Network has direct, face-to-face contact with our customers and is 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. This position exceeds customer expectations by performing extraordinary customer service, identifying customer needs, and providing them with communications solutions. This position also 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 FST-Network may be responsible for performing varied or additional duties to meet demands of TDS which may include duties of other Field Services Technician positions.

Join TDS Telecom at our virtual career fair event on October 13, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm CST. This is a great opportunity to chat with our recruiters about open positions and all that TDS has to offer! Follow the link to register today: http://gogoto.me/ev_xIlTzsR

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.

Required Qualifications

Associate degree (or higher) with 2+ years basic technical telecommunications experience -OR- 4+ years technical experience with telecommunications products and/or services -OR- current military service, or 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.  Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be required.

Other Qualifications

• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Requires on-call/standby responsibilities. On-call requires carrying a pager and/or cell phone, being available to report to work (24 hours a day) and remain in a limited geographic area.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Requires being available for on-call/standby responsibilities and 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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

At TDS, we believe that diversity makes us stronger.  We embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by law. We are stronger together!

If you wish to speak with us regarding assistance or an accommodation related to the application process, please contact us at careers@tdstelecom.com.