Fiber Network Specialist

Fiber Network Specialist Job Description

Salary: $52,880.00 - $70,180.00 Annually

Location: FL 34471, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 00405

Department: Ocala Fiber Network

Opening Date: 01/16/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Benefits: The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Health & Wellness Center
• Voluntary Cancer Insurance
• Supplemental Critical Care Insurance
• Supplemental Accident Insurance
• Legal Plan Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Discounts - Theme Park
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Holidays and Paid Time off
• Retirement Plan

Job Summary:

This is a responsible, technical, skilled position in the installation, configuration, testing, operating and maintenance of a fiber optic based digital transport system used for high-speed data networks and related equipment. The Fiber Network Specialist is responsible for the operation of the fiber infrastructure deployed for data, and reports to the Department Director or Designee.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Performs construction and maintenance job tasks associated with Fiber Optic cable.
2. Operates bucket trucks; hydraulic and handheld tools; and/or equipment as required.
3. Conforms to policies and procedures for safe work practices, the proper use of vehicles, tools, and equipment associated with accepted communication line work practices.
4. Responsible for ensuring the fiber optic network is completely documented.
5. Walks over various terrains, climbs ladders, handles delicate fibers.
6. Responsible for conducting periodic audits of fiber optic infrastructure to confirm documentation accuracy.
7. Works with Network Designer and Voice Systems Tech to assist and serve as technical back-up.
8. Troubleshoots fiber network problems, identifies problems, and creates solutions.
9. Performs fusion splicing of optical fibers.
10. Responsible for new splicing as well as repair splicing.
11. May also be called on to assist with CAT-5 installations and troubleshooting.
12. Performs testing, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting of media converter edge electronics hardware used in implementing data and voice network transport systems.
13. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
14. Performs technical testing of fiber optic cables in the field using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).
15. Must be able to determine acceptable losses of transmitted light signals across fusion and mechanical splices.
16. Performs testing on fiber optic cables to pinpoint any breaks in the cable when troubleshooting customer circuits.
17. Consults Network Engineering staff to resolve and troubleshoot fiber network equipment problems and performance issues.
18. Visually identifies fibers through labeling and color-coding.
19. Makes handwritten notes and red-lines drawings.
20. Inputs documentation notes and red lines using a computer keyboard and mouse into database and Computer Aided Drafting software.
21. In the event of a system malfunction, may be called at home to respond to the situation at any hour, must assess the situation and use judgement to manually make appropriate repairs as quickly as possible to meet service demands.
22. Responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network hardware at OUS Telecom customer facilities.
23. Responsible for working directly with Telecommunications Network Systems Engineer to test, configure, apply, and install new telecommunication technologies.
24. Ability to maintain and troubleshoot network devices for interconnectivity of the data network.
25. Evaluates new technology related to fiber optic systems and products and makes recommendations for enhancements/expansion for pro-active network growth.
26. Must track usage of fiber splicing equipment including splice enclosures, splice trays, fan-out kits, and fusion protection tubes to ensure an adequate stock for daily activity.
27. Provides input to the development of the enterprise annual budget.
28. Communicates with other employees in person and by two-way radio, politely and clearly and also communicates in person at job sites to customers.
29. Assists in training and instruction of other personnel.
30. Provides "on the job" training in the field to fellow crew members on proper use and operation of equipment, proper procedures and safety practices.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

1. Maintains assigned vehicle and other equipment according to City policies.
2. Performs other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• An AS degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical or other related fields is desirable, but not required.
• One (1) year work experience in fiber splicing or as a communication lineman or experience with implementation and testing of fiber routes is required.
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing, complex technical issues.
• Must also be able to determine distances for breaks in fiber strands.
• Must have the ability to distinguish full range of colors.
• Experience working with OTDR equipment and using such testing equipment to determine losses associated with fiber distance and fusion splices is preferred.
• Experience working with Computer Aided Drafting software and/or CAD based fiber management programs is preferred.

Required Licenses/Certificates:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Operator Drivers License with an acceptable driving record.

Residency Requirement:

Within one year of date of hire or promotion to this position, the employee must live and remain living within 45 minutes of City of Ocala Telecommunications Office (presently 1805 NE 30th Avenue, Bldg. 500) work facility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of standard methods, practices, tools and materials used for repair and maintenance of pole attachments.
• Ability to work from service manuals, blue prints and diagrams.
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions taken to protect persons and equipment in a field and substation environment.
• Must possess skills in the use and care of electrical and electronic test equipment used in the various areas of the specialty such as OTDR, volt-ohm meters, fiber optic testing and fusion splicing devices and other such equipment used in the trade.
• Must be able to gain working knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting equipment and procedures to up-date electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare complex mathematical calculations and visually audit reports, records, and drawings for accuracy and completeness.
• Must be able to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain his/her personal body weight 40 pounds or more, less than the maximum bucket truck bucket lift capacity of 300 pounds.
• Must be able to work with and around active electrical lines.
• Must be able to detect wire of different colors.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Must have the ability to problem solve, evaluate others and make independent judgment to restore customer concerns.
• Ability to work at various heights, or in trenches, vaults, or confined spaces and able to climb into a bucket and work off a ladder.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to the City of Ocala Human Resources Department.

Contact Information:

City of Ocala 110 SE Watula Ave City Hall, 3rd Floor Ocala, Florida, 34471 Phone: 352-629-8359 Website: https://www.ocalafl.gov/