Network Construction Technician

Network Construction Technician

Salary

$48.99 - $59.55 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5540-26

Department

Power

Division

Power - T&D

Opening Date

06/02/2026

Closing Date

6/16/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing an eligible list for Network Construction Technician which will be used to fill vacancies for one year.

Network Construction Technicians are responsible for the construction, installation, activation, inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance of aerial and underground Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) telecommunications systems. Incumbents perform highly skilled journey-level telecommunications construction and maintenance work to ensure reliable system performance, compliance with engineering specifications, and adherence to all applicable construction, operational, and safety standards. Work includes the installation and maintenance of fiber optic and coaxial infrastructure, system relocations, network testing, and emergency restoration activities in both residential and commercial environments.

Employees in this classification independently perform complex technical duties associated with the operation and maintenance of broadband telecommunications infrastructure. Responsibilities include aerial and underground utility construction, fiber optic splicing and activation, network testing and certification, signal troubleshooting, and inspection of contractor-installed facilities. Work is performed in coordination with utility companies, contractors, engineers, and public agencies to ensure system integrity and uninterrupted service delivery.

Incumbents are expected to exercise sound technical judgment, interpret construction plans and utility designs, and complete assignments with minimal supervision. Positions in this classification may also serve in a lead capacity by coordinating daily work activities, scheduling projects, monitoring contractor performance, and assisting with training and work direction for assigned personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Construct, install, activate, maintain, repair, and upgrade aerial and underground HFC telecommunications systems in accordance with engineering specifications, construction standards, and applicable safety regulations.
• Ensure all work activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local, state, and federal construction codes, utility standards, and departmental procedures.
• Install, maintain, and repair coaxial and fiber optic cable systems including aerial strand, conduit systems, pedestals, vaults, cabinets, and related telecommunications infrastructure.
• Perform aerial construction activities including pole transfers, strand placement, lashing cable, installing fiber and coaxial cable, bonding and grounding systems, and aerial splicing and activation.
• Perform underground construction activities including trenching, directional boring, conduit placement, cable pulling, underground wire placement, and aerial-to-underground system conversions.
• Operate and maintain construction and utility equipment associated with telecommunications infrastructure projects, including backhoes, trenchers, plows, rock saws, cable pullers, bucket trucks, and other heavy or specialized equipment.
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, and specialized telecommunications equipment to install connectors, fittings, fasteners, splice enclosures, and communication cabling components.
• Conduct fiber optic splicing, termination, testing, activation, and certification using industry-standard practices and testing procedures.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose signal loss, service interruptions, network impairments, and optical transmission issues using specialized electronic and optical testing equipment.
• Operate and interpret data from equipment including spectrum analyzers, field strength meters, digital modulation meters, sweep frequency response equipment, optical power meters, optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR), Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR), cable locators, and fusion fiber splicers.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation, reports, test records, fiber loss measurements, OTDR traces, as-built drawings, inspection reports, and system performance records.
• Inspect contractor-installed telecommunications facilities to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, utility providers, and public agencies to facilitate construction activities, utility relocations, and right-of-way access.
• Review and verify contract bid items, completed work quantities, and project deliverables for payment processing and project closeout.
• Ensure proper placement and alignment of telecommunications infrastructure within public rights-of-way and private property easements while protecting existing utilities and maintaining system reliability.
• Respond to emergency outages, damaged plant conditions, and service disruptions during normal working hours and while assigned to rotational standby or after-hours emergency response duties.
• Maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with coworkers, contractors, utility representatives, and members of the public.
• Perform lead duties as assigned, including coordinating work schedules, prioritizing assignments, monitoring project progress, and assisting with crew direction and training.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

This position may be required to participate in rotational standby assignments and respond to emergency call-outs outside of normal working hours.

Qualifications

• An equivalent combination to:

Graduation from high school supplemented by a minimum of three years telecommunications construction experience within the last five years.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Washington State Drivers License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain a Class "A" Commercial Driver License prior to competition of probation and maintain thereafter.
• Obtain a valid First Aid/ CPR card and Washington State Flagging card before completion of probation and maintain thereafter.
• Complete Fiber Optics 1-2-3 training and obtain Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) certification within 12 months of hire with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• Aerial and underground telecommunications plant design, construction methods, and maintenance practices.
• Fiber optic and coaxial cable systems, splicing techniques, activation procedures, and network certification methods.
• Telecommunications construction standards, specifications, blueprints, and utility plans.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and safety procedures related to utility construction and telecommunications systems.
• Utility locating practices, right-of-way requirements, and underground service protection procedures.
• Construction equipment operation, maintenance, and safe work practices.
• Recordkeeping methods, reporting procedures, and technical documentation practices.
• Industry-standard testing equipment and diagnostic procedures used in HFC and fiber optic systems.

Skill in:

• Performing aerial and underground telecommunications construction and maintenance activities.
• Installing, splicing, testing, activating, and troubleshooting fiber optic and coaxial communication systems.
• Operating heavy construction equipment and specialized telecommunications testing devices safely and effectively.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, utility maps, construction specifications, and technical diagrams.
• Using hand tools, power tools, and electronic test equipment with precision and accuracy.
• Coordinating projects and communicating effectively with contractors, utilities, and internal staff.

Ability to:

• Independently plan, organize, prioritize, and complete assigned work within established deadlines.
• Analyze technical problems and implement effective solutions in field environments.
• Work safely around traffic, heavy equipment, energized utilities, and hazardous construction conditions.
• Perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments and adverse weather conditions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare technical reports.
• Work cooperatively with coworkers, contractors, and the public while maintaining professionalism and customer service standards.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Subject to carrying and lifting loads up to 70 pounds.
• Subject to bending, twisting, sitting and physical exertion for extended periods.
• Subject to performing tasks while sitting at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Subject to working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Subject to climbing ladders, towers, poles and other structures as needed.
• Incumbents in this classification will be exposed to working in high traffic areas around heavy equipment and may be required to work over rugged terrain.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Apply

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references, passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, youll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $48.99- $59.55

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

02

Did you graduate from high school or do you have an equivalent education such as a GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have three years of telecommunications construction experience within the last five years?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a valid Washington State Drivers License or ability to obtain one by time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

05

Please indicate in which of the following areas you have professional work experience. Check all that apply:

• Five (5) or more years of telecommunications construction experience
• Aerial construction, including installation of coaxial and fiber optic cable
• Fiber splicing
• Fiber network installation and maintenance
• Construction and maintenance of underground Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) systems
• Coordinating with contractors on construction and installation projects
• Reading and interpreting construction specifications and plans
• Aerial and underground telecommunications plant design
• Splicing, activation, sweep, and certification of HFC plant systems
• Underground construction using backhoe trenching, rock-saw trenching, chain trenching, or plowing methods
• Basic algebra applications
• None of the above

06

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions #7-9 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #7-9.

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your aerial telecommunications field experience in detail, including the following areas: • Strand placement • Cable lashing • Coaxial cable installation • Fiber optic cable installation • Pole climbing • Pole transfers • Operation of aerial lifts and cable placing equipment

08

Please describe your underground telecommunications field experience in detail, including the following areas: • Backhoe trenching • Chain trenching • Boring • Cable pulling • Conduit placement

09

Please describe your fiber optic field experience and familiarity with the following tasks and equipment: • Ribbon fiber splicing and related preparation tools • Loose tube fiber splicing and related preparation tools • Fiber test launch boxes • Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) • Ribbonizing loose tube fiber • Armored cable preparation • Emergency fiber restoration and fault troubleshooting

10

One of the Citys Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

11

Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• SEED
• TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Government Jobs
• NWPPA
• Outreach Event

12

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov