Fiber Optic Technician
Position Summary
The Fiber Optic Technician plays a critical role in deploying, maintaining, and supporting high-performance communications infrastructure. This position is responsible for the installation, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic networks that deliver broadband internet, telephone, television, enterprise networking, and carrier backhaul services.
Technicians work on a variety of projects including underground and aerial fiber construction, enterprise structured cabling, residential and commercial installations, long-haul transport networks, data centers, wireless backhaul, and outside plant (OSP) infrastructure.
Successful candidates possess strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Fiber Installation
- Install single-mode (SMF) and multi-mode (MMF) fiber optic cable.
- Install underground, aerial, and indoor fiber optic systems.
- Pull, blow, and route fiber through conduit, innerduct, cable trays, raceways, and buildings.
- Install fiber optic conduit, handholes, vaults, and associated infrastructure.
- Install fiber termination panels, patch panels, enclosures, and cabinets.
- Install structured cabling systems including fiber and copper.
Fiber Splicing & Testing
- Perform fusion and mechanical splicing.
- Terminate fiber connectors using industry best practices.
- Test fiber using:
- OTDR
- Optical Power Meter
- Light Source
- VFL (Visual Fault Locator)
- Fiber Identifier
- Interpret OTDR traces and troubleshoot network faults.
- Certify completed fiber installations to industry standards.
Network Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and repair damaged fiber optic systems.
- Locate and restore fiber cuts and outages.
- Perform preventative maintenance on existing networks.
- Replace aging or damaged fiber infrastructure.
- Maintain signal integrity and network performance.
- Assist with emergency restoration activities.
Construction Activities
- Install conduit and innerduct.
- Assist with directional drilling and trenching operations.
- Install pull boxes, vaults, and handholes.
- Assist with cable placement in aerial and underground environments.
- Perform restoration of work sites following construction.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Documentation
- Complete daily work reports.
- Maintain accurate splice records.
- Document OTDR test results.
- Update as-built drawings.
- Record material usage.
- Maintain project documentation and quality assurance records.
Customer Service
- Professionally interact with residential, commercial, government, and enterprise customers.
- Clearly explain installation procedures and service expectations.
- Represent the company in a professional manner at all times.
- Resolve customer concerns courteously and efficiently.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful Fiber Optic Technicians should possess knowledge in the following areas:
Technical Knowledge
- Fiber optic communications systems
- Single-mode (SMF) and Multi-mode (MMF) fiber
- Fiber optic connectors and termination methods
- Fusion splicing
- Fiber testing equipment
- Structured cabling standards
- Basic networking concepts
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Underground and aerial construction practices
- Safety standards for construction and telecommunications
Equipment Experience
Experience using:
- Fusion splicers
- OTDRs
- Optical power meters
- VFLs
- Fiber identifiers
- Cable blowing equipment
- Cable pulling equipment
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Ladders and lifts
- Trenchers and construction equipment (preferred)
General Skills
- Strong troubleshooting abilities
- Mechanical aptitude
- Ability to read prints and construction drawings
- Ability to interpret splice diagrams
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent organizational skills
- Time management
- Professional customer service
Physical Requirements
The position regularly requires:
- Lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Walking uneven terrain
- Working in confined spaces
- Kneeling, bending, and crouching
- Standing for extended periods
- Operating construction equipment and power tools
- Driving company vehicles
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Ability to pass background check and drug screening
- Fiber Optic Association (FOA) certifications (preferred)
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification (preferred)
- CPR/First Aid certification (preferred)
- CDL (preferred but not required)
Previous experience in telecommunications, utility construction, electrical work, structured cabling, or networking is beneficial but not required for entry-level candidates.