Network Technician - Optical Transport

Job Summary:

As the Network Technician - Transport, you will contribute to the operational excellence, reliability, and continued expansion of Midco's transport network. This role supports the implementation, maintenance, and restoration of transport infrastructure while partnering with internal stakeholders to meet customer and business needs. The position is structured across three levels, with progression reflecting increased technical knowledge, problem-solving capability, ownership of complex work, and contribution to strategic network initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, maintain, and support Midco's transport network infrastructure, including optical transport equipment, line systems, circuits, and related network components.
• Perform service provisioning, circuit testing, validation, and turn-up activities to ensure successful delivery of transport services and customer solutions.
• Troubleshoot network outages, fiber impairments, service degradations, and transport-related issues, coordinating with internal teams and vendors as necessary to restore service and minimize customer impact.
• Perform equipment installation, rack integration, power and cabling work, and ensure compliance with established engineering and operational standards.
• Monitor network health and assist with preventative maintenance activities to maintain network reliability, performance, and availability.
• Support network expansion, modernization, and end-of-life replacement projects by participating in the implementation and deployment of new transport infrastructure and technologies.
• Collaborate with Engineering, NOC, Customer Fulfillment, Sales Engineering, Regional Operations, Colocation teams, and customers to support network deployments and service delivery.
• Assist in the implementation, documentation, and maintenance of transport, LAN, WAN, and MAN network environments.
• Maintain accurate network records, diagrams, inventory, configurations, testing results, and operational documentation.
• Assist with disaster recovery planning, system backups, restoration testing, and business continuity initiatives.
• Support ServiceNow ticket management, escalation response, and incident resolution activities within established service level expectations.
• Participate in network evaluations, testing, and validation activities to support future capacity growth, customer opportunities, and strategic business initiatives.
• Provide effective problem-solving support for a variety of Midco's groups, including Customer Service, Engineering, NOC, etc.
• Report significant activity to the NOC and keep detailed statistics regarding these activities.
• Provide assistance with projects, including diagramming, reporting, documenting, time management, etc.
• Ensure viable disaster recovery and back up plans are in place for all systems.
• Provide effective “on call” support and be prepared to work other than regular business hours as necessary.
• Communicate and maintain up-to-date, accurate documentation for passwords, diagrams, security, etc.
• Operate and drive a company vehicle in compliance with all Midco policies and procedures, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to traffic laws. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and ensure regular maintenance and repairs are conducted as scheduled to uphold a professional image.
• Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same.
• Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1 year of experience supporting telecommunications, transport, network, fiber, or related technology infrastructure.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. A DUI conviction within the past 5 years will result in disqualification from employment in this position.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts including TCP/IP, routing, switching, Ethernet, and optical transport technologies.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, network diagrams, and engineering specifications.

Preferred Qualifications: N/A

Note: Team Members will be assigned a level based on the required experience and training. Advancement is sequential and contingent upon successful completion of all requirements at the preceding level, including certifications, proficiency tests, and time-in-role or equivalent experience where applicable.

Network Tech I – Transport

• 1 year of experience

Network Tech II – Transport

• 3 years in role or equivalent experience

Network Tech III – Transport

• 5 years in role or equivalent experience.

Work Environment:

• May need to sit or remain stationary extended periods of time.
• Extremely time sensitive deadlines to meet customer demand.
• Team member may be required to work more than 40 hours per week.
• Participation in an on-call rotation is required, including responding to incidents, outages, and business needs outside of regular working hours.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or other non-standard hours to support maintenance activities, project implementations, or service restoration efforts.

Physical Demands:

• May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Heavy keyboard/mouse usage required with repetitive movements.
• The team member may occasionally lift and/or carry loads of up to 50 lbs.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply verbal and written instructions, technical information, policies, and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the capability to analyze information, identify issues, and collaborate with others to determine appropriate solutions.
• Capacity to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and respond effectively to changing business needs and competing deadlines.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills when evaluating information and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy, quality, and completeness of work, documentation, and communications.
• Retention and application of technical and procedural information learned through training and experience.
• Resilience under pressure, with the capability to remain focused and effective when responding to unexpected situations or time-sensitive requirements.
• Professional interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits Summary

• Free Midco internet and TV
• Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs
• Midco-provided short and long term disability insurance
• Midco contributions to your HSA
• Programs to support your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing
• And many more

About Midco

• Midco offers the most reliable wholly owned and operated fiber network spanning 17,000 miles.
• We are a telecommunications leader that is redefining connectivity while being a force for good in the communities we serve.
• We serve nearly 500,000 homes and businesses in more than 400 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
• Our 1,900 team members work together with integrity, creating a caring culture for a lasting impact.

Ready to work at Midco? We thought so.

Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today.

Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters.