Outside Plant Technician I

Salary is just one component of FPUA's excellent total compensation package.  As an organization, one of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families.  To achieve this goal, we offer market leading benefits as summarized under the “Benefits” tab above the Description within this job posting. The salary range shown represents the minimum to midpoint salary for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on qualifications and experience.  

Skilled work in the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground fiber distribution & feeder lines in accordance with standards of the trade.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the OSP Crew Leader or Outside Plant Technician II.

(NOTE:  There are also secondary functions which the employee will be required to perform.)

Constructs, maintains and repairs fiber overhead and underground distribution and feeder systems including mounting hardware, stringing cables, installing anchors, slack storages, multiservice terminals, cabinets, conduit and handholes.

Operates heavy motorized equipment used in construction and maintenance of fiber overhead and underground systems

Ensure that the fiber optic network is completely documented. Conducts periodic audits of the fiberoptic infrastructure to confirm documentation accuracy.  

Performs some fusion splicing and connectorizing of optical fibers. Responsible for new splicing as well as repair splicing. May also be called on to also assist with CAT-5 or CAT-6 installations and troubleshooting.

Conforms to policies and procedures for safe work practices, the proper use of vehicles, tools, and equipment associated with accepted communication line work practices, and ensures that the team adheres to the same work practices.

Troubleshoots fiber network problems, identifies problems, and creates solutions.   Consults Network Engineering staff to resolve and troubleshoot network equipment problems and performance issues. 

Performs technical testing of fiber optic cables in the field using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

Must be able to determine acceptable losses of transmitted light signals across fusion and mechanical splices.

Performs testing on fiber optic cables to pinpoint any breaks in the cable when troubleshooting customer circuits.

Visually identifies fibers through labeling and color-coding.  Makes handwritten notes and red-lines drawings.   

Mentors other team members and serves as resource in performance of fiber network duties.  Provides guidance in troubleshooting and overcoming issues that may arise in the field.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED from an accredited educational institution is required. Minimum of 3 years of work experience as a Telecommunications Technician with at least 1 year experience in the construction of overhead and underground fiber infrastructure. Completion of Advanced OSP Technician certification and able to demonstrate competence in job functions and required abilities.

When considering new job applicants, comparable amounts of training and experience may be substituted in lieu of some of the minimum qualifications.

Must possess:

• Ability to incorporate and employ on a continuous basis: initiate change, creativity, collaboration, pride and accountability.
• Considerable knowledge of construction and maintenance for AE and GPON fiber optic networks.
• Understanding of fiber Infrastructure and requirements for penetration of buildings for fiber termination.
• Ability to perform all essential functions  of a Fiber Technician 1 & 2
• Ability to install and maintain aerial and underground fiber cables
• Ability to frame poles with pole attachment hardware
• Working knowledge of tree limb removal
• Knowledge of the operation of bucket truck, winches, trenchers, backhoes, cranes and other equipment.
• Ability to adjust quickly to rapidly changing priorities, multiple demands and ambiguity.
• A sense of urgency in the face of important issues and opportunities, ready to make timely decisions, commit one's self, and take action. 
• Embraces innovation and change as an opportunity.  Generates new ideas and approaches to solve problems.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with others in a positive, straightforward and collaborative manner.  
• Ability to foster excellent achievement through teamwork. 
• Drive to achieve and maintain excellence in technical/functional roles and accountabilities. 
• Excellent communication skills that will ensure interactions with customers and other employees are clear, concise and polite.
• Knowledge of Communication Worker Safety rules outlined in the NESC.

Salary : $28 - $35