Drop Installation Technician II

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?

The Drop Installation Tech II performs the installation of PON/fiber drops (both buried and aerial) in accordance with industry and TDS standards. Work includes, but is not limited to, general labor, facilities locating, and operating construction equipment which includes, but is not limited to, trenchers, plows, and directional boring equipment in order to place fiber drop facilities to customer locations.

Due to in-field support and on-call requirements, the individual selected for this position will be required to reside within a 60-minute driving distance from the Verona, Wisconsin warehouse located at: 171 Paoli St., Verona, WI 53593.

This position is eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus (paid after 30 days).

This position can be hired at either a Drop Installation Technician I (requisition ID #2025-24539) or a Drop Installation Technician II (requisition ID #2025-24540) 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.

Perform general drop construction labor
• Communicate with customers to identify drop bury path.
• Use, hand tools and other excavating equipment to construct fiber drop facilities.
• Perform the placement of new aerial and buried fiber drops
• Set peds, vaults, and handholes along with marking/labeling fiber optic and/or copper facilities.
• Operate all test equipment associated with drop construction duties.
• Install, troubleshoot, test, splice, repair, and maintain fiber optic drop facilities.
• Identify location of defective fiber using various test equipment and repair buried, and aerial, fiber drops.
• Locate cable and fiber.
• Perform cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed drop facilities.
• Ensure worksite,landscape, and private utilities are fully restored after project completion (e.g., seeding, invisible dog fences, sprinkler systems, etc.)
• Train and mentor personnel as directed by supervisor or team lead.
• Service, clean, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Complete all related paperwork.
• Provide assistance to field services technicians, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ years of drop construction experience utilizing various underground and aerial construction equipment such as locators, 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 Course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include 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.
• 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.
• Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Do you meet all of the Required Qualifications, but aren't sure if your experience meets the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that some candidates may not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications, when, in fact, they have the skills and experience to be successful in the role! Experience and skills come in many different forms and may not always look identical to what we have on paper, but still lead to success in the role. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have what it takes to be successful in the position, apply today!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. May be required to balance or climb. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This position may require working outdoors, in mechanical/equipment rooms, and possible extreme weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

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 diversity of 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.