The Fiber Construction Technician assists in all phases of broadband construction including heavy equipment operation; splicing, terminating, and maintaining fiber optic cable and the supporting outside plant (OSP); locating OSP facilities in response to “One Call” requests. In addition, the technician installs or repairs communications equipment which may include, but is not limited to, residential and business equipment and associated lines and other diversified broadband services such as digital TV, data installations, home networking, and Wi-Fi.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Assists in all phases of broadband construction including heavy equipment operation. This includes location of existing facilities, operation of Directional Drilling Equipment, Excavators, Vacuum Excavators, Cable Plows, Trenchers, and miscellaneous construction equipment.
- Identifies and counts groups of fiber strands and copper cable pairs and prepares the groups for splicing or termination.
- Maintains OSP facilities by testing to locate trouble, opening cable to repair or replace defective sections using splicing techniques, and closing and sealing cable.
- Tests and terminates fiber cable to Network Interface Device (NID) at the customer premise and at the main distribution frame at central office utilizing fusion splicing techniques and connects OSP distribution fibers to Central Office Equipment (COE) by installing connecting fiber optic jumper cables.
- Mounts terminal boxes throughout customer premises and attaches individual house or service cable pairs; ties other end of house cable to terminal block at demarcation point where all inside wiring and subscriber loop feeder cable meet.
- Performs testing on completed splices or termination to ensure dependable service.
- Supports cable, splice closures, and distribution stubs as necessary.
- Works with awareness of the considerable hazards connected with the construction and maintenance of outside plant facilities, including falls, electric shock or flash, falling objects, and traffic; uses protective equipment and safety practices.
- When needed, makes all types of single-line telephone installations; repair of trouble; running of wire for installations; installation or repair of business systems; cable television repair and installation work and other installer/repairer work as required to meet company needs.
- As needed, assist in maintenance of construction equipment.
- Will participate in “On Call” coverage rotation (approximately once every 5 weeks, on call during the week, reports to work Saturday morning.)
Personnel Specifications:
Education / Experience
High school diploma required. Experience or training in telecommunications plant operations would
be beneficial although not required.
Job Knowledge
- Skill in operating various heavy machinery and construction equipment.
- Understanding of cable technology, including fiber optics.
- Knowledge of plant operations, cable records and standards, and splicing techniques and equipment. Including the ability to interpret documents such as maps, staking sheets, and operating and maintenance instruction manuals.
- Understanding of basic electronics, digital technology and preventative maintenance procedures.
- Knowledge of test equipment.
- Understanding of home and small business networking installation and operation is a plus.
- Knowledge of state and federal safety regulations.
- Knowledge of company products/services, company policies and procedures.
Physical Job Requirements and Working Conditions:
Must be able to perform physical work exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position requires climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pulling, fingering, feeling, hearing, balancing, kneeling, crawling, standing, pushing, lifting and grasping. Must have good visual perception and be able to operate various types of equipment. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This work is performed under both inside and outside environmental conditions with occasional exposure to extreme heat and cold, noise and atmospheric conditions. Must have above-average hearing abilities. Must be able to distinguish between colors.
Related Skills
- Pay close attention to detail and schedules.
- Pay close attention to detail and schedules.
- Work effectively, with minimal supervision, with other plant and business office staff.
- Possess good driving record.
- Accept responsibility to respond to irregular working hours and operate under stressful and pressure conditions in an efficient manner.
- Work effectively with customers and the general public.
- Ability to function as a team player.
- Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or can obtain a CDL within 90 days.