OSP Junior Project Manager - Merced, CA

Location: Onsite: Merced, CA.

Location Status: Work will be primarily performed onsite in our office. Occasional travel to and work from other Race offices or other off-site locations may be required.

100% Company-Paid Medical and Dental Benefits

Free Fiber Internet Service

Comp: $30 to $34 USD per hour

Who We Are:

We're more than a fiber internet provider, we're your neighbors, committed to connecting California communities since 1994. At Race, relationships matter as much as speed. We combine cutting-edge technology with a genuine, people-first approach that makes every interaction feel personal. Our team operates like family: collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to making a real difference. When you join Race, you're not just accepting a job, you're becoming part of a team that values integrity, celebrates wins together and believes that meaningful work happens when great people connect with great purpose.

Position Impact:

The Outside Plant (OSP) Junior Project Manager receives directive from the northern California Project Manager supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of fiber optic and telecommunications infrastructure projects. This role involves assisting in project scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The OSP Junior Project Manager works closely with senior project managers, engineers, contractors, and field teams to oversee construction progress, troubleshoot issues, and maintain project documentation. Additionally, they facilitate communication between stakeholders, track milestones, and contribute to process improvements to enhance project efficiency and quality.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 of age
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• A valid driver's license, subject to successful verification through a DMV check, is mandatory 
• 3 years’ experience in the telecom industry, fiber deployment, or network infrastructure required
• Familiarity with GO 95 rules required
• Familiarity with Vetro fiber management
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications, Google Earth (KMZs), AutoCad, Excel required
• Ability to travel to multiple work sites, work overtime, evenings and weekends, holidays, or off hours as needed
• The ability to effectively communicate in English, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension, as necessary for effective job performance and workplace communication
• Proficiency in Spanish Language desirable

Skills:

• Proficient use of MS Office applications including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; teleconferencing applications
• Functional use of common office equipment, computers, and office software

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Project Management & Oversight:

• Supports multiple large-scale fiber optic construction projects simultaneously
• Ensures project deliverables are completed and submitted on time
• Supports fiber projects to keep them on schedule and within budget while maintaining accurate records
• Conducts final inspections and punch walks, creating punch lists and assembling close-out packages
• Manage line changes and in-field modifications, ensuring accurate communication with the design team to update network mapping efficiently
• Supports the process of keeping fiber network designs up to date by verifying field changes and prioritizing updates in mapping system
• Validate field data, identify consistencies, and proactively resolve mapping discrepancies before project completion

Operational Support & Vendor Liaison:

• Assists the Northern California Project Manager in coordinating OSP support teams and contractors, ensuring smooth execution
• Aids in daily interactions with construction vendors, helping to track progress, resolve issues, and maintain project timelines
• Supports the OSP staff by helping to prepare purchase orders, review invoices, and maintain accurate as-build records

Compliance & Quality Control:

• Supports efforts to ensure OSP construction, maintenance, and repair activities align with industry standards and company guidelines
• Help monitor project adherence to jurisdictional regulations and safety requirements, escalating issues as needed

Stakeholder Communication & Customer Relations:

• Assists in coordinating with customers, subcontractors, jurisdictional authorities, and internal teams to support project needs
• Helps prepare for and participate in customer meetings, site visits, and in-person interactions, as directed by the Northern California Project Manager

Vehicle Maintenance and Travel:

• Maintains vehicle/equipment pre-op/post-op to be prepared to perform required duties
• Maintains a clean driving record as defined by the current fleet insurance underwriter
• Spends a significant portion of the workday traveling in a vehicle visiting various locations and spending time both indoors and outdoors including businesses and/or residents depending on the nature of the job 
• May be required to work overtime, after hours, on weekends, for emergencies, or be on-call as needed to ensure work is completed

Safety Awareness and Compliance:

• Observes hazards and reports any concerns or accidents to a supervisor or safety professional; participates in the investigation process as needed
• Understands, completes, and signs off all pre-job safety planning tools at the start and end of the shift; completes all required safety-related paperwork
• Understands and responds appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (e.g., back-up alarms, smell of smoke, fumes, odors, different colored warning tags, warning sirens)
• Upholds a secure work environment by adhering to regulations, procedures, and company policies, ensuring safety standards are consistently maintained

Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Why Join Our Team:

• Join a tight-knit crew—no faceless corporation vibes here
• Growth potential: promotions and new challenges are part of our DNA
• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: 100% company-paid medical and dental insurance (starting the 1st of the month following your start date), PTO (vacation, sick), 11 paid holidays, paid birthdays, 401k matching (4%)
• Free fiber internet service for all employees living in our service area
• A culture built on integrity, mutual respect, and a shared purpose

Call to Action:

Let's chat. If you're ready to move forward, click "Apply" below, our team can't wait to meet you.