Field Service Technician (Multiple Levels)

Job Description

Field Service Technician (Multiple Levels)

At TDS Telecom, our core mission is connecting people. We are pioneers in leveraging advanced fiber internet technology to fortify communities and are unwavering in our pursuit of excellence. This dedication propels us to achieve success collectively, forging a superior world through meaningful connections. Are you prepared to make a significant impact?

About the Role

As a Field Service Technician, you will play a crucial role in the on-site installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of telecommunications products and equipment sold and leased by TDS. This position involves direct, face-to-face interaction with our valued customers, and you will be expected to proactively promote the sales of TDS services and products.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of services, including but not limited to: Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and high-speed networks. A key aspect of this role is to consistently exceed customer expectations by delivering extraordinary customer service, astutely identifying customer needs, and offering effective communication solutions. You will also be proficient in demonstrating and utilizing TDS products, actively seeking sales opportunities while simultaneously educating customers. Products and services you will engage with 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.

Location Requirement

Due to the nature of in-field support and on-call requirements, the successful candidate for this position must reside within a 60-minute driving distance from the Chatham, MI warehouse, located at: E3708 Marquette St – Chatham, MI 49816.

Career Progression

This role offers flexibility and can be filled at one of three levels, depending on the candidate’s skills and qualifications:

• Field Service Technician (requisition ID # 2026-28729)
• Field Service Technician-Network (requisition ID # 2026-2026-28730)
• Field Service Technician-Network Specialist (requisition ID # 2026-28731)

Separate job postings exist for each of these positions. Candidates are encouraged to review the minimum qualifications for each role and submit an application for every level they are both interested in and qualified for.

Key Responsibilities

• Installation & Maintenance: Assist with and perform on-site installation, troubleshooting, testing, splicing, repair, and maintenance of telephone and general network equipment, customer premise equipment, Video/CATV/DBS, fiber optic/copper facilities, and other TDS products & services for new and existing customers.
• Cable Management: Identify the location of defective cables using various test equipment and perform repairs on buried, aerial, underground, and/or customer cables.
• Facility Locating: Locate cable and fiber in response to customer requests and/or construction needs. This includes identifying and marking company underground and buried facilities to prevent damage, maintaining an orderly log of all locate requests within the exchange area. Pole climbing and operating construction equipment are required.
• Testing & Acceptance: Perform cable fault acceptance tests on newly constructed facilities.
• Troubleshooting Support: Assist with and provide advanced troubleshooting techniques and corrections, responding promptly to “trouble” dispatches.
• Record Keeping: Assist with and provide support for enhancing and maintaining record systems (e.g., cross connects, line groups, network elements).
• Customer Service & Sales: Deliver excellent customer service and proactively educate customers on and sell TDS products and services.
• Standards Compliance: Gain a working knowledge of RUS Standards and Grounding practices associated with splicing and maintenance of outside plant facilities and equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must adhere to TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs, including obligations to customers.

Other Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)

• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Availability for on-call/standby responsibilities and willingness to work overtime as needed. Occasional travel may be required.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum.
• Ability to maintain DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements related to operating vehicles with a combined GVRW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of >10,000 lbs.
• A+ certification and computer networking experience.
• Working understanding of telecommunication products and services, including: 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 various computer applications including (but not limited to): Databases, Trouble/Repair/Dispatch Systems, Plant Record Systems, MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service and sales skills, along with effective communication 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.

Don’t meet all the “Other Qualifications” but believe you have the skills? We encourage you to apply! Research indicates that many candidates may not apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the necessary skills and experience for success. Experience and skills manifest in diverse forms and may not always mirror what is explicitly listed, yet still contribute to success in the role. If you fulfill the Required Qualifications and are confident in your ability to excel, we invite you to 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. Regular communication with customers is essential. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items, often needing to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Balancing or climbing may also be required. This role frequently involves lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position may necessitate working outdoors, in mechanical/equipment rooms, and potentially in extreme weather conditions. The associate is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment. The physical demands outlined are representative of those an associate must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our team members, offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to foster your health, financial stability, and overall happiness. Join us and discover a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

For Associates Scheduled to Work 20 or More Hours Per Week:

• 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

Additional Benefits for Associates Working 30 or More Hours Per Week:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

Furthermore, all associates will have the chance to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to cultivate community and facilitate professional development.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, spanning small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of expertise, TDS is dedicated to constructing 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 providing innovative communication solutions that enrich how people live, work, and connect. Discover more at tdstelecom.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and deeply 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 for this position. Actual compensation offers will be determined based on various factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Certain positions may also include additional compensation elements, such as performance bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range (Hourly)

$22.62/Hr. – $33.94/Hr.