FST-NETWORK SPECIALIST

At TDS, we provide innovative Voice, Internet, and Entertainment services to rural and suburban communities nationwide, as well as leading-edge business technology. But it's our commitment to each community we serve that truly sets us apart. TDS serves 1 million customers in 30 states.

Employment at TDS is subject to post offer, pre-employment drug testing. EEO/AAP Employer

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. Responsible for installation and maintenance of network infrastructure and circuits, as well as digital switch devices and cross connects. Participates on project teams and may lead projects. Familiarity with a variety of the telecommunications concepts, practices, and procedures. Installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications products that TDS sells and leases (Key Systems, PBX, Centrex Systems, and/or other business systems). Installs, maintains, repairs switching equipment including carrier, DSAs, remotes & 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.

Has direct, face-to-face contact with our customers and is expected to be proactive with the sales of TDS services and products. Exceeds customer expectations by performing extraordinary customer service, identifying customer needs, and providing them with communications solutions. 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.

May be responsible for performing varied or additional duties to meet demands of TDS which may include duties of other Field Services Technician positions.


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.

Requires on-call/standby responsibilities. On-call requires carrying a pager and/or cell phone, being available to report to work (24 hours a day) and remain in a limited geographic area.
REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications:
Associate degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronics or related field and 2+ years basic technical telecommunications experience OR 4+ years technical experience with telecommunications products and/or services.
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. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be required.
Requires being available for on-call/standby responsibilities and may require occasional travel.

Othe Qualifications:
Requires an 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.
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.