Horizontal Directional Driller III - Outside Plant Construction
TDS Telecommunications LLC, Missoula, MT, United States
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?
Horizontal Directional Driller III – Outside Plant Construction in Missoula, MT Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting‑edge fiber technology to life? As our Outside Plant Construction Technician 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!
Training Use the opportunity to obtain a Class A CDL through an in‑house training program. Attend safety training and receive instruction on pole climbing and bucket trucks. On‑the‑job training covers directional‑drill rigs, mini excavators, trenchers, locators, and fiber‑optic training including fusion splicing, fault detection, and advanced testing equipment.
Schedule This is a full‑time, 40‑hour‑per‑week role with a flexible schedule that may vary depending on the specific market. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. (For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.)
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. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your construction, safety, and technology skills directly impact connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
What We’re Looking For:
Self‑motivated – driven, ambitious, and always looking for ways to improve.
Attention to detail – committed to following safety protocols and taking pride in precision.
Teamwork and communication – strong communication skills and thrive in collaborative environments.
Technical proficiency – solid understanding of telecommunication systems and equipment operation.
Responsibilities
Perform general construction and maintenance of aerial and buried fiber facilities, ensuring compliance with maps, staking sheets, and safety standards.
Operate and maintain construction equipment, including excavation tools, to build and repair outside‑plant fiber networks.
Install, splice, test, troubleshoot, and repair fiber‑optic facilities using specialized equipment.
Conduct cable fault acceptance tests, locate defective fiber, and resolve issues efficiently.
Update GIS, maps, and as‑builts; set and label infrastructure such as pedestals, vaults, and handholes.
Restore worksites to original condition upon project completion.
Train and mentor team members as needed and maintain construction equipment.
Provide support to field service technicians and complete required documentation promptly.
The functions listed above describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned.
Required Qualifications
2+ years of construction equipment operation with underground and aerial equipment such as directional drills, trenchers, backhoes, or bucket trucks – or current/previous military service with honorable discharge.
Follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
Hold a valid driver’s license and be eligible for DOT requirements.
Other Qualifications
Ability to obtain a Class A CDL; a current CDL is preferred at hire, but training is available.
Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
Successfully complete all components of the safety training curriculum and customer‑specific requirements.
One year of experience in constructing fiber‑optic cable outside‑plant networks – or any underground or overhead utilities.
Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
Understanding of telecommunication products and services.
Proven organizational skills and multi‑tasking ability.
Occasional travel required.
Willingness to work overtime and swing shifts as needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment This role requires frequent standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and handling equipment, with the ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds regularly and over 100 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus. Work conditions include exposure to outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, high‑risk areas (high voltage, trenches, manholes), and mechanical equipment. Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, fumes, and loud noise is expected.
Benefits We believe in taking care of our team. 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
All associates can participate in associate resource groups to encourage community and develop professionally.
Pay Transparency The pay for this position ranges from $25.13 to $37.69 per hour.
The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.
Pay Range (Hr./Yr.) $27.62/hr. – $41.42/hr.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 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.
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Horizontal Directional Driller III – Outside Plant Construction in Missoula, MT Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring cutting‑edge fiber technology to life? As our Outside Plant Construction Technician 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!
Training Use the opportunity to obtain a Class A CDL through an in‑house training program. Attend safety training and receive instruction on pole climbing and bucket trucks. On‑the‑job training covers directional‑drill rigs, mini excavators, trenchers, locators, and fiber‑optic training including fusion splicing, fault detection, and advanced testing equipment.
Schedule This is a full‑time, 40‑hour‑per‑week role with a flexible schedule that may vary depending on the specific market. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. (For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.)
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. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your construction, safety, and technology skills directly impact connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
What We’re Looking For:
Self‑motivated – driven, ambitious, and always looking for ways to improve.
Attention to detail – committed to following safety protocols and taking pride in precision.
Teamwork and communication – strong communication skills and thrive in collaborative environments.
Technical proficiency – solid understanding of telecommunication systems and equipment operation.
Responsibilities
Perform general construction and maintenance of aerial and buried fiber facilities, ensuring compliance with maps, staking sheets, and safety standards.
Operate and maintain construction equipment, including excavation tools, to build and repair outside‑plant fiber networks.
Install, splice, test, troubleshoot, and repair fiber‑optic facilities using specialized equipment.
Conduct cable fault acceptance tests, locate defective fiber, and resolve issues efficiently.
Update GIS, maps, and as‑builts; set and label infrastructure such as pedestals, vaults, and handholes.
Restore worksites to original condition upon project completion.
Train and mentor team members as needed and maintain construction equipment.
Provide support to field service technicians and complete required documentation promptly.
The functions listed above describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned.
Required Qualifications
2+ years of construction equipment operation with underground and aerial equipment such as directional drills, trenchers, backhoes, or bucket trucks – or current/previous military service with honorable discharge.
Follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs.
Hold a valid driver’s license and be eligible for DOT requirements.
Other Qualifications
Ability to obtain a Class A CDL; a current CDL is preferred at hire, but training is available.
Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
Successfully complete all components of the safety training curriculum and customer‑specific requirements.
One year of experience in constructing fiber‑optic cable outside‑plant networks – or any underground or overhead utilities.
Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
Understanding of telecommunication products and services.
Proven organizational skills and multi‑tasking ability.
Occasional travel required.
Willingness to work overtime and swing shifts as needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment This role requires frequent standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and handling equipment, with the ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds regularly and over 100 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus. Work conditions include exposure to outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, high‑risk areas (high voltage, trenches, manholes), and mechanical equipment. Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, fumes, and loud noise is expected.
Benefits We believe in taking care of our team. 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
All associates can participate in associate resource groups to encourage community and develop professionally.
Pay Transparency The pay for this position ranges from $25.13 to $37.69 per hour.
The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.
Pay Range (Hr./Yr.) $27.62/hr. – $41.42/hr.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr