The Field Service Technician - 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.
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
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
At TDS, 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. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!