As October brings cooler weather and signals the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, it also happens to be Careers in Construction Month: a time dedicated to raising awareness of the many job opportunities in construction and highlighting how these roles contribute to building and improving communities. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024 and nearly 454,000 in 2025 to meet industry demands.
At Tilson, hundreds of team members are hard at work building and installing fiber networks across the country. As a specialty contractor in telecommunications construction, we want to share information about construction careers in this exciting trade that blends technology, heavy equipment, innovation, project management, underground utility knowledge, safety, and other construction fundamentals. Each role plays a key part of our horizontal directional drill (HDD) or microtrenching crews that come together to lay the groundwork for fast and reliable internet connections—but what goes into assembling a successful OSP construction crew?
Many people have likely seen construction crews like ours working in their neighborhoods but might not know what each team member actually does. Whether you’re exploring a career in telecom or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work, understanding these roles and how they work together can help you appreciate the significant impact these crews have in delivering reliable high-speed internet to our communities.
The horizontal directional drill (HDD) is a piece of equipment used to dig underground pathways for fiber internet cables. Instead of digging large holes, which can be messy and disruptive, the machine creates a controlled path underground, making the process safer and faster. Learn more about the HDD equipment and process. An HDD crew includes several key roles:
The Drill Locator works above ground using special equipment to track the drill’s exact location underground. The device detects where the drill is, ensuring it follows the planned path. The Drill Operator sits at the controls, using levers and monitors to steer the drill’s path underground along a planned route. They carefully maneuver the drill to stay on track and to avoid veering off course, with the goal of creating a precise underground path for fiber cables to be pulled through. These two positions are in constant communication by radio to adjust the drill’s direction if needed. This teamwork helps make sure they underground pathway is accurate. Foremen are the team leaders who oversee the entire construction process for the HDD operation. They are responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the project including managing schedules, ensuring that all safety regulations are followed, and making sure that the work meets quality standards. Outside Plant (OSP) Laborers are positions that handle a variety of tasks to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Their responsibilities include hydro excavation to remove unwanted soil with pressurized water, general site maintenance, preparing materials, setting up equipment needed for the drilling process, and restoring the work area to its original condition.
Together, these roles ensure that every aspect of the HDD process is executed safely and efficiently, resulting in a precise underground pathway for fiber cables.
Microtrenching is a modern technique that accelerates fiber installation by using a large circular blade to carve out a narrow trench for fiber cables. This process allows for quick and efficient installation with minimal impact on the surface. Learn more about the microtrencher equipment and process.
Tilson utilizes different models of microtrenchers, each requiring a dedicated crew. Typically, this crew includes a Microtrencher Operator and a Microtrencher Spotter. The Operator is responsible for controlling the machine by using a remote to adjust the blade’s angle and depth. The Spotter works alongside the Operator, focusing on guiding the equipment and monitoring the cutting process by walking besides the machine. This position helps ensure the blade cuts at the correct angle and depth while keeping an eye on the equipment’s path. Constant communication with the Operator is essential for making any necessary adjustments. Additionally, Outside Plant (OSP) Laborers and Foremen provide essential support for microtrenching work by preparing job sites, organizing materials, assisting with equipment setup, and supporting our restoration process. Like the HDD process, Foremen oversee the entire microtrenching operation, handling planning, scheduling, safety, and quality control. They ensure the microtrencher crew has everything needed for a successful project.
In some cases, a job site might have both a microtrenching crew and an HDD crew working simultaneously, each playing a key role in installing fiber networks efficiently.
At Tilson, we put our employees’ safety and well-being at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why we offer an exceptional range of benefits, including comprehensive medical plans, a guaranteed 3% employer contribution to your 401(k), 15 days of paid time off, 5 inclement weather days, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, 15 days of paid military leave, and no-cost disability insurance.
At Tilson, we put our employees’ safety and well-being at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why we offer an exceptional range of benefits, including comprehensive medical plans, a guaranteed 3% employer contribution to your 401(k), 15 days of paid time off, 5 inclement weather days, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, 15 days of paid military leave, and no-cost disability insurance.
When you join our HDD and microtrenching crews, you’ll receive training designed to develop you into a leader in the construction field. While prior experience with HDD or machinery is preferred, it’s not required. What we truly value is a positive attitude, a strong desire to learn, and an openness to instruction. Safety is our top priority, so we look for team members who are safety-conscious and work well in a collaborative environment. A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a plus, as those skillsets can transfer easily.
We provide ample opportunities for internal promotions and offer various training and certification programs to help you advance and thrive in your career. Join us and take the next step toward a rewarding and fulfilling future.
With open roles in multiple states across the country, Tilson has a place for you. To get started, browse our current job postings online. Note that some roles may be listed for multiple states, so be sure you are applying to your location.
When applying, provide a resume with your contact information (email and phone), your previous experience, and any certifications and skills you have, such as a CDL.
Once you send us your information through the career portal, a recruiter will reach out to you to let you know next steps. We do our best to respond to everyone but please be patient as we thoroughly review everyone’s information.
We look forward to hearing from you and for Tilson to be part of your career journey!