Fiber Outside Plant (OSP) Technician I

JOB SUMMARY:

A Fiber Outside Plant (OSP) Technician I is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of DMEA's aerial and underground fiber optic infrastructure. The technician will work with various tools and equipment (OTDR, OPM, OLTS, fiber optic splicing tools) to ensure the proper installation and maintenance of fiber optic cables with an emphasis on high-quality customer service. This position primarily completes basic fiber installations, entry-level splicing, and basic troubleshooting. The position requires frequent daytime travel across the entire service territory for construction inspection, installation services, and service work. This position is part of a union position and requires candidates to be willing to join the applicable union upon hiring.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year of experience with fiber optic installation, splicing, and network equipment setup including familiarity with home networking, Wi-Fi configuration, and Ethernet connections.
• Entry-level knowledge for troubleshooting broadband, telephone, and cable TV.
• One (1) year of experience in fusion splicing, using fiber optic test equipment, and performing optical continuity.
• Experience with conformance testing and communications construction experience (both aerial and underground placement) preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Strong verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, SharePoint and Excel, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS & LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• This position is subject to non-standard working hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call when required.
• Knowledge of the universal communications color codes as they relate to 12 and 24-tube count fiber optics and standard datacom (copper).
• Class A or B CDL preferred.
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification for workplace safety or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in installation of aerial and underground fiber optic cable including splice closures. Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor during installations and service calls.
2. Responsible for equipment installation and cabling through fusion splicing of various types and sizes of fiber optic cable.
3. Review and interpret fiber optic color codes for installation and testing.
4. Diagnosing and repairing fiber optic connectivity issues, including signal loss and faulty equipment for residential and commercial subscribers. Perform fiber splicing, terminations, and testing to ensure proper connectivity.
5. Complete splicing and installation of fiber drop connections both outside and inside of premise. Install equipment including but not limited to: ONT / UPS; CAT5 / CAT6 data drops and residential telephony drops.
6. Educate subscribers on using their fiber internet services and basic troubleshooting steps. Coordinate with Network Operations personnel to program subscriber premise equipment including ONT, routers, wireless networks, telephony, and data networks, and to validate service activation(s).
7. Complete weekly routine preventive inspections and/or maintenance on all vehicles, splicing, and testing equipment.
8. Drives and operates bucket service truck within DMEA's Bucket Truck Certification requirements.
9. Document fiber routes, installation work, and service logs detailing tasks performed, completion time, and materials used for future reference. Ensure all work complies with industry standards and company guidelines.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for personnel in this position.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and use of keyboard/computer; and occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Requires frequent climbing and work at elevations (e.g. from ladders, poles, lift trucks, etc.)
• Requires ability to work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires finger dexterity, vision, and the ability to differentiate and recognize the full-color spectrum, hearing, and ability to speak.
• Office equipment used includes personal computers, related software, copy machines, fax machines, etc.

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Work is primarily performed outside of an office setting either in an outdoor setting or in a subscriber premise and work independently and as part of a team.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions including extreme cold and extreme heat.
• The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibrations. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.
• The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
• Occasional travel, including overnight travel, by company vehicle and commercial means may be required.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot technical issues on-site.