Field Service Technician & Network Specialist

Job Locations: US-MN-Monticello | US-MN-Saint Cloud | US-MN-Maple Grove | US-MN-Blaine

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)

$27.62/hr. - $41.42/hr.

Overview

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?

As a Field Service Technician – 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 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. It participates on project teams and may lead projects. The role also involves installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and other business systems); installing, maintaining, and repairing 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 Field Service Technician–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. The role uses and demonstrates 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 Field Service Technician–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 driving distance from the Monticello, Minnesota warehouse located at 316 Pine Street – Monticello, MN 55362.

This position can be hired at either a Field Service Technician (requisition ID #2026-28986), Field Service Technician–Network (requisition ID #2026-28987), or Field Service Technician–Network Specialist (requisition ID #2026-28988) 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.

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.
• Requires pole climbing and operating construction equipment.
• Locates, identifies, and marks company underground and buried facilities to prevent damage.
• Keeps an 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 backups 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 and 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 the supervisor.

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 to meet business 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 for operating vehicles with a combined GVRW of >10,000 lbs.
• Understanding of telecommunication products and services (setting, installation, maintenance of a wide range of equipment).
• Practical knowledge/experience with computer applications (Databases, Trouble/Repair/Dispatch Systems, Plant Record Systems, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Explorer).
• Ability to work and make decisions independently with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service and sales skills, and effective verbal and written communication.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
• Physical requirements may vary: operation of heavy construction machinery, digging, lifting, and climbing.
• May require occasional travel and various/swing shifts.
• 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! Many candidates hesitate unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications, even when they possess the skills needed to succeed. If you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing this job, the associate regularly sits, stands, writes, and operates a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate communicates with customers, moves around, reaches for items, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Frequently must balance or climb. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Visual demands 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 in extreme weather. The associate may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment.

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, offering comprehensive benefits to support health, financial well‑being, and overall happiness. Associates scheduled to work 20+ 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+ hours per week additionally have access to:

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

All associates can participate in Associate Resource Groups to encourage community and professional development. For more information, 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‑size 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!

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.