Terrence Cherkas
South Sioux City,NE
Summary
Accomplished telecommunications leader with 27+ years of hands-on field experience in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting,and technical operations for residential, business, and wholesale services. Deep expertise in POTS, DSL, DS0/DS1/DS3/T3, copper/fiber networks, preventive maintenance, and rigorous safety compliance through monthly OSHA refresher training. Elected union officer (Secretary/Treasurer for CWA Local 7103) with proven management of budgets (~$35K account),payroll, grievances (5-10/month), team advocacy for ~200 members, and office operations. Excelled in cross-functional collaboration, exceeding metrics, and fostering positive, safe team environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Install & Maintenance / Cable Technician
US West / Qwest/CenturyLink / Lumen
Sioux City, IA
08.1999 - 02.2025
- Installed, repaired, and maintained POTS, DSL, DS0/DS1/DS3/T3, and internet services for residential, small/large business, and wholesale customers, including central office turn-up, wiring, programming, and field delivery.
- Troubleshot complex copper and fiber line issues in central offices, huts, and field settings; exceeded daily metrics consistently and received early recognition for exceptional troubleshooting post-formal 9-week training.
- Served on Cable Crew (Q-schedule) for 25+ years, adapting to technological advancements and performing versatile, inside/outside plant tasks across extensive service areas.
- Covered roles for COTS, CDTs, Fiber Technicians, and others to ensure timely work order completion and reduced service disruptions.
- Partnered with internal teams (test center, customer service, engineers, facilities, project management, translations, assignments), and external partners (contractors, locators, CLECS, wholesale customers) for efficient operations.
- Read and executed FOMS, disconnect/new/change orders for POTS/T1/internet; performed F1 cuts in COs/huts.
- Spliced fiber in central offices during facility upgrades to enable technology improvements.
- Upheld rigorous safety protocols through monthly OSHA refresher courses covering electrical hazards, arc flash prevention, PPE usage, pole climbing, bonding/grounding, fiber handling, and preventive maintenance-ensuring full compliance and contributing to zero major incidents over 27-year tenure.
- Operated test equipment including HST, DSP, OTDR, T-Berd, HyperTerminal, fiber scope, and fusion splicer for accurate diagnostics, and repairs while prioritizing OSHA-aligned safety standards.
- Proactively identified and upsold service opportunities to customers during trouble tickets, service calls, and field inspections; sold new modems, phone/internet lines, speed upgrades, new orders, and change orders to enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue.
Elected Union Officer - Secretary and Treasurer (Dual Role)
Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7103
Sioux City, IA
12.1999 - 01.2001
- Elected by ~200 member telecommunications workers to serve in dual executive leadership roles, providing oversight equivalent to management in union operations and member advocacy.
- As Treasurer/Office Manager: Managed ~$35K account for payroll (processing for 5 elected officers), office bills, taxes/compliance, donations, and other expenditures-demonstrating direct budget development, fiscal responsibility, and resource allocation.
- As Secretary: Prepared meeting minutes, processed and resolved 5-10 grievances per month, coordinated union activities, and maintained office upkeep to ensure smooth, compliant operations.
- Advocated for technicians, resolved conflicts, motivated members, and supported professional development/safety initiatives in a positive team environment.
Crew Chief, Network Construction
Network Communications
01.1997 - 08.1999
- Led crew in US West infrastructure installation and repair across tri-state region.
- Oversaw daily operations, task assignment from engineering prints, milestone achievement, and adherence to safety/quality standards.
Crew Chief
Barger Construction
Sioux City, IA
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Supervised construction crews on infrastructure projects, interpreting engineering work orders/ job prints, and directing installation/repair efforts.
- Managed team assignments, quality assurance, safety compliance, and on-time project delivery in field settings.
Education
High School Diploma -
West High School
Sioux City, IA01.1996
Skills
- POTS/DSL/DSX Services
- Copper/Fiber Troubleshooting & Splicing
- Central Office/Hut Operations
- Preventive Maintenance
- HST
- DSP
- OTDR
- T-Berd
- HyperTerminal
- Fiber Scope
- Fusion Splicer
- Team Coaching/Motivation
- Grievance Resolution
- Budget Oversight
- Payroll Processing
- Contract Compliance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- OSHA-Compliant Training
- Incident Prevention
- Customer Advocacy
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Work Order Systems
- Microsoft Office
Timeline
Elected Union Officer - Secretary and Treasurer (Dual Role)
Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7103
12.1999 - 01.2001
Install & Maintenance / Cable Technician
US West / Qwest/CenturyLink / Lumen
08.1999 - 02.2025
Crew Chief, Network Construction
Network Communications
01.1997 - 08.1999
Crew Chief
Barger Construction
01.1996 - 01.1997
High School Diploma -
West High School