Field Service Technician-Network Specialist - TDS Telecom

Overview

As the Field Service Technician-Network Specialist in Boise, ID, you will have the 

overall responsibility for maintaining a highly reliable network of systems including the central office switch, carrier and transmission equipment, fiber electronics, business communication systems, and/or all other auxiliary equipment. This position is responsible for installation and maintenance of network infrastructure and circuits, as well as digital switch devices and cross connects. This position participates on project teams and may lead projects. This position has a familiarity with a variety of the telecommunications concepts, practices, and procedures. This position also installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems); installs, maintains, and repairs switching equipment including carrier, DSAs, remotes and related transmission equipment as well as complex PBX systems. Services include but are not limited to Telephony, Video/CATV/DBS, Internet, and/or high speed networks.

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

This position can be hired at either a Field Service Technician (requisition ID #2024-23410), a Field Service Technician-Network (requisition ID #2024-23411) or a Field Service Technician-Network Specialist (requisition ID  #2024-23412) 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.

The pay range listed for this position represents the low and high end of the base compensation range. The actual offer amount will carefully consider multiple factors, such as relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, location and/or competencies that align with the specified role.  Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses and equity awards.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.2 million connections, TDS is a rapidly growing technology company. Powered by fiber optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol-based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services. Visit tdstelecom.com. TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,600 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000® company. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video  and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions. Visit tdsinc.com. 

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 for new and existing customers.
  • Installs, configures, maintains, and repairs PBX, Key Systems, Centrex Systems, business systems, fiber terminals, POTS, ISDN, DSL, T-1s, and/or DS3s (carriers, paging & wireless).
  • Identifies location of defective cable using various test equipment and repairs buried, aerial 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.
• Installs, troubleshoots, tests, repairs, and maintains central office equipment including switch, operating software, and/or other auxiliary equipment.
  • Maintains back-ups to the switch, voice-mail, fiber optic terminals, etc.
  • Updates manuals and provides functional support, answering questions about features and functions.
• Provides advanced 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. Pro-actively educates and sells TDS products and services to customers.
• Performs project management for the installation of systems and performs related functions as requested by supervisor.
• Completes all related paperwork in a timely manner such as forms, timesheets, material usage, and special data requests.
  • May require working on and leading project teams.
  • Stocks vehicle and notifies appropriate person when supplies and materials are low.
• Promotes safety and accident prevention as day-to-day part of the normal job functions and attend safety meetings as required.
  • Follows safety policies and procedures, applies safety training and follows Department of Transportation requirements as they apply to the job.
  • Responsible for routine vehicle maintenance & adherence to TDS Vehicle Safety Policy.
• Utilizes MS Office Suite, Trouble/Repair/Dispatch Systems, Plant Record Systems, and other TDS applications to ensure accurate facility assignment and verification.
  • Utilizes staking sheets and cut sheets. Assigns facilities and updates system records and maps.
• Maintains inventory including purchasing, receiving, stocking, and tracks regulated and non-regulated equipment and materials.
  • Provides equipment maintenance, operating instructions, and diagnostics 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years technical telecommunications experience -OR- current/prior military service with honorable discharge.
• 1+ year 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.
• 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.

Other Qualifications

• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Requires being available for on-call/standby responsibilities and may require occasional travel. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to maintain DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements in relation to operating vehicles with a combined GVRW (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of >10,000 lbs.
• 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, IP Telephony Systems/Applications, DSA, DSLAM/RAM, Connecting company testing, WAN/LAN/Data Networks, Switch Installations & Additions and/or ATM Switches and Networks.
• 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.
• 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

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits such as vacation (15 days accrued per year for full-time; pro-rated for part-time associates working between 20-39 hours), sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates), seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday, paid parental leave (2 weeks after 12 months of employment), among others.  Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability coverage is also available for associates working 30 or more hours per week and Education Assistance is available to full-time associates.  Associates scheduled to work under twenty hours per week or for a limited term (i.e. interns) are eligible for medical coverage, the 401(k) plan (if 18 or older), as well as sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates). For more detail on the benefits we offer click here.

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and 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. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)