Field Inspector

At Archtop Fiber, our mission is to be the true fiber of your community! We believe in the power of local connectivity and dedication to bridging the digital divide in rural and suburban cities across the Hudson Valley and beyond. We have seen how larger cities often receive priority for broadband infrastructure upgrades, leaving smaller communities underserved. That’s why we prioritize serving “Main Street” communities by investing up to $350 million in private funding to build over 2,500 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure.

Job Summary

The Construction Field Inspector is responsible for monitoring and supporting all phases of outside plant (OSP) fiber optic construction activities associated with Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network deployments. This position serves as the primary field representative between construction crews, engineering teams, municipalities, utility companies, property owners, customers, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient project execution.

The Construction Field Inspector performs field audits, construction observations, progress reporting, quality assurance inspections, permit coordination, customer issue resolution, and stakeholder communications to facilitate successful network deployment while maintaining compliance with company standards, municipal requirements, and applicable regulations.

Job Responsibilities

Construction Oversight & Field Inspection

• Conduct routine field inspections of FTTH construction activities including underground, aerial, and customer drop installations.
• Monitor contractor performance, workmanship, productivity, and adherence to approved construction standards.
• Verify construction activities are completed in accordance with engineering designs, construction drawings, permit requirements, and company specifications.
• Identify and document construction deficiencies, safety concerns, and quality issues requiring corrective action.
• Perform field audits and acceptance inspections of completed work.
• Coordinate punch list development and verify completion of corrective actions.

Project Monitoring & Reporting

• Track daily, weekly, and monthly construction progress.
• Document production quantities and project milestones.
• Maintain accurate field records, inspection reports, photographs, and project documentation.
• Provide status updates to project management, engineering, and construction leadership.
• Identify schedule risks, construction obstacles, and potential project delays.
• Assist with construction forecasting and progress tracking activities.

Municipal & Permit Coordination

• Support permit acquisition, compliance, and closeout activities.
• Interface with municipalities, public works departments, highway departments, and permitting agencies.
• Coordinate inspections required by local jurisdictions.
• Ensure field construction activities comply with permit conditions and municipal requirements.
• Facilitate resolution of permit-related issues impacting construction progress.
• Attend municipal meetings and stakeholder discussions as required.

Stakeholder & Customer Relations

• Serve as a field point of contact for residents, businesses, property owners, and community stakeholders.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to construction activities.
• Address concerns involving property impacts, restoration, access, traffic control, and construction schedules.
• Coordinate with customer service, operations, and construction teams to resolve escalated field issues.
• Maintain positive relationships with municipal officials, utility representatives, and community members.

Utility & Right-of-Way Coordination

• Coordinate with utility companies regarding pole access, relocations, conflicts, and field conditions.
• Assist with right-of-way management and access issues.
• Verify utility locates and ensure compliance with excavation safety requirements.
• Support resolution of field conflicts involving existing utilities and infrastructure.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure construction activities comply with company standards, engineering specifications, safety requirements, and industry best practices.
• Verify proper restoration of roadways, sidewalks, landscaping, and customer property.
• Monitor traffic control practices and public safety measures.
• Support environmental, regulatory, and safety compliance initiatives.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action processes when required.

Field Engineering Support

• Conduct field cruises and site assessments to identify constructability concerns.
• Provide feedback regarding design feasibility and field conditions.
• Document route changes, conflicts, and as-built information.
• Assist engineering and project teams with constructability reviews and field validation activities.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or related education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of telecommunications construction, OSP fiber, utility construction, or related infrastructure experience.
• Working knowledge of FTTH deployment practices, fiber optic construction methods, and outside plant infrastructure.
• Experience with underground and aerial construction environments.
• Familiarity with municipal permitting processes and right-of-way requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, utility maps, permits, and engineering plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mobile field reporting applications, and digital documentation tools.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• FTTH, FTTX, broadband, or telecommunications deployment experience.
• Knowledge of NESC, OSHA, and utility construction standards.
• Experience working with municipalities, public agencies, and utility companies.
• Previous inspection, quality assurance, or construction management experience.
• Experience using GIS, as-built documentation systems, and construction management software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of telecommunications construction practices and fiber optic network deployment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic field environment.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution capabilities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and rapidly changing field conditions.
• Strong customer service and community relations skills.

Working Conditions

• Extensive field work in outdoor environments and active construction zones.
• Frequent driving throughout assigned project areas.
• Ability to walk construction sites, rights-of-way, easements, and customer properties.
• Occasional evening or weekend work as required to support construction activities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and safely navigate uneven terrain.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Heavily subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career development opportunities in a growing company