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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?

Join Our Team as an Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller in Meridian, ID!

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting-edge fiber technology to life? As Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD) III, you'll be at the heart of building and maintaining our state-of-the-art PON/fiber network.

From installing buried and aerial fiber facilities to mastering construction equipment like trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, and plows, you'll make a real impact every day. You'll also install, test, troubleshoot, and repair fiber facilities to keep our customers connected. If you love working with your hands, being outdoors, and making a difference in your community, this is the role for you!

Please note: This position may be filled as a Telecom Horizontal Directional Driller II (ID #2026-29262) or III (ID #2026-29263), based on the candidate's skills and qualifications. Separate job postings outline the minimum requirements for each role. Please review both postings and apply to any level for which you are qualified and interested.

Schedule: 

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week role with a *flexible schedule.

*Please note that the schedule may vary depending on the specific market.

Why Join Us? 

As a member of our Construction and Service Enablement team at TDS, you'll play a critical role in building and maintaining cutting-edge fiber optic networks that connect communities nationwide. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is a leader in fiber internet innovation, delivering up to 10 Gigabit speeds to homes and businesses. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your skills in construction, safety, and technology will directly impact the future of connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

**This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.  For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.**

• Team Leadership Assistance: At the direction of the Sr Outside Plant Construction Tech, assist with:
  • Communicating job duties and responsibilities to internal construction crews.
  • Focusing on crew efficiencies, ensuring assigned tasks are completed.
  • Training, monitoring, and coaching team members to safely perform assigned tasks with related construction equipment.
  • Performing quality control inspections of construction crew work. Ensuring safety protocols are enforced.
  • Working with foreperson to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.

• General Construction Labor

  • Operation of trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, plows, and other excavating equipment used to construct and maintain outside plant cable facilities.
  • Operation of Horizontal Directional Drills.
  • Locate cable and fiber and other utilities as required by construction activity.
  • Performs landscape restoration after project completion.
• Construction Site Organization
  • Engage municipalities, utility companies, suppliers, contractors, and property owners to coordinate project tasks and avoid disputes.
  • Receive maps and staking sheets and ensure construction project is built.
  • Review, update, and assist with the recording of GIS, maps, addresses, and as-builds.
  • Ensure locates are performed on time and prior to team and equipment arriving at the worksite.
  • Set pedestals, vaults, and handholes along with marking/labeling fiber optic and/or copper facilities.
  • Coordinate with Sr Outside Plant Construction Tech to ensure availability of materials and equipment.
  • Perform the placement of new aerial and buried fiber according to maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.

• Construction Equipment Maintenance

  • Service, clean, maintain, and repair equipment.
  • Check DOT logs and review condition of trucks and trailers on job site to ensure all vehicles meet DOT standards.
  • Report any issues to Sr Outside Plant Construction Tech.
• Complete all related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Assist Field Services technicians, as needed.

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of construction equipment operation utilizing various underground and aerial construction equipment such as 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 Training course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Prefer 3+ months' experience with utility location.
• Prefer 2+ years' experience in the construction of fiber optic cable outside plant networks -OR- 2+ years installation of any underground or overhead utilities will be considered.
• Understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• 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 the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must also be able to climb poles, ladders, towers or other structures.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and may have to work in attics and crawl spaces, or high-risk areas such as high voltage electrical, trenches, and manholes. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat.  The noise level in the work environment is at times loud.

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 difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in 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 pay for this position ranges from *$27.62 to $41.42 per hour.

*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.