Horizontal Directional Driller - Fiber Construction

TDS Telecom•Appleton, WI

8d•$23 - $41

About The Position

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting-edge fiber technology to life? As part of our Horizontal Directional Drilling Team, you'll be at the heart of building and maintaining our state-of-the-art PON/fiber network. If you enjoy working outdoors, learning high‑demand technical skills, and making a real impact on your community, this role is for you. This position is full‑time, year‑round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training. Join our Outside Plant Construction Team in Appleton, WI! Starting pay ranges from $28–$32 per hour, with potential for more based on skills and experience. This role includes a $5,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance. Outside Plant Construction Technicians can also earn up to $75 per week in incentives when your team meets production targets. 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!

Requirements

6+ months experience in any combination of the following areas: customer service, electrical or utility construction, -OR-technical certification (or higher) -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.
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
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.
Must be able to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Nice To Haves

A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
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.

Responsibilities

Operate horizontal directional drill or locate for the drill.
Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.
Aids in transporting construction equipment to and from the worksite.
Assists with and executes the installation of aerial and buried fiber based on maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
Operates hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment as needed.
Installs and sets enclosures, including buried and aerial vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
Climbs poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as required, utilizing a bucket truck when necessary.
Labels and marks fiber optic and copper facilities accurately.
Utilizes dispatching applications and relevant tools for project coordination.
Supports fiber splicing, repairs, and outside plant maintenance activities.
Restores landscapes to original condition upon project completion.