What are the responsibilities and job description for the Broadband Field Technician position at Cobb Fendley & Assoc?
Since 1980, CobbFendley has been committed to providing innovative engineering and surveying solutions with the goal of bettering communities. Our multi-discipline approach allows for the efficient completion of projects through experienced staff who focus on client communication. We are always seeking talented and qualified professionals to enhance our ability to provide clients with exceptional service.
Are you ready to Join Our Block and advance your career? At CobbFendley, people are our most valued resource. We offer a(n):
- New Hire Program // We understand changing jobs can be intimidating, CobbFendley has established a program geared specifically to the successful onboarding and integration of new hires into the firm
- Development Opportunities // Professional and personal growth through innovative in-house training and collaborative resources
- Compensation Benefits // Competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including 401(k) Matching and Profit-sharing Contributions; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employer Funded and Voluntary Life Insurance; Tuition Reimbursement; and Continuing Education Programs
- Paid Parental Leave // FMLA-eligible employees will receive fully paid leave in the amounts of eight (8) weeks for maternity cases and two (2) weeks for paternity or adoptions cases
- Winter Holiday // Extended office closure from December 25 through January 1 to relax and enjoy the holidays
- Community Engagement // CobbFendley Cares focuses on STEM Education, Hunger Relief, and Sustainable Solutions
EDUCATION, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION
The successful candidate’s most important qualifications include the following.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to accommodate travel in personal vehicle.
- Experience in either the engineering, construction, or telecommunications industries.
- Computer and printer with scanning capabilities.
- Ability to upload/download and edit documents in Project Management software.
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Acrobat. Working knowledge of Google Earth/Maps. Ability to quickly learn new systems and databases.
- Highly organized, self-starter, and detail oriented.
- Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills.
- Superior time management.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to be flexible, take direction with ease, including changes to schedule and workflow priorities.
- Critical thinking skills; make assessments and provide solutions to problems.
- Ability to maintain professional tact in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to follow direction in maintaining all Field Safety standards.
- Superior customer service.
- GRIT (guts, reliability, innovation, and teamwork).
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics preferred.
- Knowledge and experience with telecommunications engineering standards. Capable of identifying issues in the field that would have a potential to impact network design.
- GO 95, GO 128, NESC, CPS Energy requirements.
- Experience with interpreting cable or substructure designs.
- Basic Knowledge of Make-Ready Construction
- Able to identify potential cable moves and, guying and anchoring requirements to make room for new cable attachments.
- Able to effectively account for all information that is required to attach to a pole and complete all necessary measurements and photos.
- Experience in TxDOT Utility Permitting Standards.
- Ability to learn and utilize new programs/technologies for engineering/design production & analysis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Field Data Collection & Mapping:
- Conduct field surveys for broadband infrastructure, including utility poles, underground cables, OSP Design.
- Use fielding tools such as LIKE (Live Information Knowledge Environment) Katapult Pro, and IKE Pro to document pole locations, attachments, and NESC clearance measurements.
- Identify and record potential conflicts or obstructions that may impact broadband deployment.
- Utility Pole Assessments:
- Evaluate and document pole conditions, heights, attachments, and structural integrity.
- Determine load-bearing capacity and suitability for broadband equipment installation.
- Work closely with utility owners for attachment approvals and compliance with NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) regulations.
- Underground Cable Locating & Toning:
- Use toning equipment to detect and trace buried broadband cables.
- Mark existing underground utilities to prevent accidental damages during construction or installation.
- Coordinate with local utility companies for accurate underground facility identification.
- Develop accurate fiber/optical network construction surveys.
- Conduct new substructure site surveys and site walks.
- Determine existing and new locations for fiber optic cables.
- Accurately depict new construction route opportunities.
- Field Inspections & Quality Assurance:
- Conduct field audits to verify as-built conditions match design plans.
- Ensure compliance with project specifications, safety standards, and local regulations.
- Document and report discrepancies, recommending corrective actions as needed.
- Take pictures of job sites, pole conditions and other relevant structures or landmarks.
- Make hand drawn sketches of recommended engineering design while in the field or facility.
- Upload clear images files, hand notes, and sketches and edit for quality and cohesiveness.
- Conduct pole loading analysis using software such as oCalc.
- Conduct Communication and Electrical Make-Ready design/engineering based on NESC, Client, and Pole/Facility Owner requirements.
- Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting:
- Collaborate with design engineers, permitting teams, and construction crews to ensure field data aligns with project plans.
- Communicate findings through detailed reports, photos, and GIS-based mapping tools.
- Work with clients, municipalities, and utility companies to resolve field issues efficiently.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Adhere to safety protocols while working near live utilities, roadways, and construction sites.
- Follow OSHA guidelines, traffic control procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Ensure proper documentation of safety incidents, hazards, and mitigation measures.
- personal vehicle is maintained to company safety standards. (Can we get company vehicle?)
- Ensure proper documentation of safety incidents, hazards, and mitigation measures.
COBBFENDLEY CHARACTERISTICS
- We Collaborate // with a professional attitude making communication a priority.
- We Commit // to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, with a focus on accountability.
- We Build Communities // by fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity that is consistent with industry standards.
PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Tasks are divided between indoor and outdoor settings, with approximately 80% of duties performed in outdoor environments and 20% in indoor office or warehouse spaces.
- Seated and Standing Position. Extended periods of sitting and standing in an upright position at a workstation or job site.
- Mobility. Movement within the office and job sites, including navigating between floors, workstations, high-traffic areas, and various walking surfaces.
- Head and Neck Movement. Forward flexion, extension, or lateral rotation of the head and neck while using multiple computer screens.
- Repetitive Motion. Repetitive finger movements for operating a computer mouse and typing on a keyboard. Includes activities such as reaching, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling.
- Arm Movement. Extending hands and arms in various directions, such as overhead, below the waist, forward, or laterally.
- Object Handling. Raising or lowering objects from one level to another and transporting objects by holding them in the hands, arms, or over the shoulder.
- Cognitive Requirements. Selective attention, oral comprehension, oral expression, speech recognition, speech clarity, written comprehension, written expression, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, number facility, information ordering, category flexibility, flexibility of closure, fluency of ideas, and originality.
- Physical Abilities. Includes hand-eye coordination, steadiness, upper and lower body strength, control precision, stamina, multi-limb coordination, static strength, manual dexterity, and depth perception.
- Alertness. Must remain alert and responsive while working in lane closure zones adjacent to high-traffic and dynamic areas.
- Lifting and Carrying. Capable of lifting, carrying, and balancing equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds in various environments, including remote, rural, or urban settings.
- Walking and Climbing. Ability to walk long distances (3 miles) and climb on uneven surfaces.
- Office Conditions. Includes extensive use of electronic devices such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners, plotters, and telephones. Additionally, tasks may involve the use of cutting tools and equipment like rotary paper cutters and plotting devices.
- Outdoor Conditions. Includes walking and climbing on uneven surfaces, confined spaces, and exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat and freezing temperatures). Potential exposure to high noise levels and various allergens, including poison ivy, sumac, dust, pollen, and cedar. Potential exposure to wildlife hazards such as animals, insects, and plants. Ability to move effectively in and around construction sites, traffic work zones, and other outdoor assignments.
- Safety and Equipment Use. Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, along with use of pneumatic, hand and power tools.
- Driving and Vehicle Use. May involve driving large pick-up trucks with attached trailers, potentially operating watercraft, and for extended periods of time.
EXPECTED WORK HOURS
- This is a full-time position, generally 40 hours per week, however, hours may fluctuate depending on department needs including the use of overtime.
- CobbFendley’s standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST. Generally, employees receive a 1-hour unpaid lunch break free of duty. Please note, operating hours and lunch hours may differ based on project workload, primarily for field staff.
WORK LOCATION FLEXIBILTY
- This position requires in-person work and is ineligible for remote work.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
At CobbFendley, we are an equal opportunity employer, interested in qualified candidates with the requisite employment authorization eligibility to work in the United States. All candidates are considered regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
- EEO is the Law (English)
- EEO is the Law (Spanish)
- EEO is the Law - Poster Supplement
MISCELLANEOUS
- Pre-Employment Screenings. All offers of employment at CobbFendley are contingent upon the prospective employee passing a drug screening, physical exam (if applicable), and various background verifications (including but not limited to 10-year history of the county, state, federal, and a 5-year history of motor vehicle records). CobbFendley complies with all applicable state and federal laws regarding said screenings. Unless and only to the extent state or federal law limits CobbFendley’s drug-testing requirements for initial hiring, all candidates for employment are subject to pre-employment drug screening verification which may include a panel drug test for use of marijuana and other substances that may be lawful under state law but unlawful under federal law. A positive result may lead to disqualification of candidacy or termination from employment to the extent permitted by law. CobbFendley reserves all rights with respect to its drug-testing, other pre-employment screenings, and workplace policies and procedures.
- External Recruiting Agencies. CobbFendley does not and will not accept unsolicited resumes under any circumstances from independent recruiters, recruiting agencies, or similar entities. Recruiting activity on behalf of a candidate does NOT constitute CobbFendley's acceptance of terms and conditions without prior contractual agreements signed by authorized CobbFendley personnel. Unsolicited resumes through any channels including cold calling, emails, applications, social media messaging, etc., will not be reviewed.
- Work Authorization Sponsorship. Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The E-Verify system uses federal databases to rapidly validate individual identities and work eligibility from the information gathered in the Form I-9. CobbFendley will not sponsor applications of work visas. We understand that this could affect your decision to apply with these conditions in mind.
- Applicant Accommodations. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) it is the policy of CobbFendley to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the Company. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Department at 713.462.3242 or HR@cobbfendley.com.
Drug-Free Workplace Conditions
Medication Disclosure:
Employees and job applicants shall receive notice of the most common medications, either by brand name, common name, or chemical name, that may alter or affect a drug test. A list of such medications shall be developed by the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Contesting Positive Results:
An employee or job applicant who receives a positive confirmed drug test result may contest or explain the result to the employer within 14 days after written notification of the positive test result.
Responsibility to Notify the Laboratory:
The employee or job applicant has the responsibility to notify the testing laboratory of any administrative or civil actions brought pursuant to this section.
List of Drugs for Testing:
A list of all drugs for which the employer will test can be supplied upon request, described by brand names or common names, as applicable, as well as by chemical names.
Right to Consult the Testing Laboratory:
Employees and job applicants are notified of their right to consult the testing laboratory for technical information regarding prescription and nonprescription medication.