Overview

As a Field Service Technician-Network Specialist (FST-Network Specialist) you will have 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.

 

Due to in-field support and on-call requirements, the individual selected for this position will be required to reside within a 60-minute distance from the Eau Claire, Wisconsin warehouse located at: 2627 Truax Blvd - Eau Claire, WI 54703.   

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, voicemail, 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. Proactively 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.

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.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Course curriculum.
• 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

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.

 

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 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.