Underground Construction Operator I

About Us

At Lightspeed Networks, we deliver reliable internet, voice, and data solutions designed to meet the demands of today’s fast‑paced world. Since our founding in 2005, we have grown our network to more than 7,000 route miles of fiber, providing high‑quality, dependable connectivity capable of supporting even the most demanding user needs. 

Rooted in community, we believe strong, connected communities are essential to long‑term success. That’s why we are committed to ensuring residents and businesses in rural Oregon and Washington have access to high‑speed, reliable services and why we actively engage with and contribute to the communities we serve. 

We operate with accountability and transparency, communicating openly, acting with honesty, and taking ownership from start to resolution. Our customers count on us to follow through, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

Reliability is at the core of everything we do. We keep our commitments and deliver high‑quality solutions that our customers can trust, eliminating the challenges of slow or unreliable connections so they can focus on productivity and growth. 

Through engagement, we show up with purpose, presence, and focus. We are proactive in understanding the needs of our customers and recognize the contributions of the people and partners who make our work possible. 

Finally, we are committed to solving, proposing actionable solutions, continually improving our network and processes, and adapting with agility and creativity as technology and customer needs evolve. 

Together, these values guide our mission to simplify connectivity, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities across the regions we serve. 

Benefits 

We believe in taking care of our employees and offer the following benefits: 

• Complete medical, dental, vision, and life insurance is available. 

• Our safe harbor 401(k) plan is available to employees on day one and includes a 100% fully vested employer match of up to 4% of your compensation. 

• Eight paid holidays, flexible Take What You Need PTO and 16 hours of paid volunteer time! 

• Lightspeed Networks employees can also take advantage of local employee store passes at Columbia Sportswear, Adidas, and Costal Farms for big discounts! 

Lightspeed Networks focuses on attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees. We provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Underground Construction Operator to join our growing telecommunications company that is redefining the data network industry. This position is located in Pasco, Washington and will be working in the surrounding areas. This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position, eligible for overtime and paid bi-weekly.

The Underground Construction Operator uses machinery such as mini-excavators, vibratory plows, and directional drills to perform a variety of tasks including installs, relocates, and repairs fiber optic telecommunications systems, and associated pathway. Another part of the job involves safely hauling cable and conduit reels along their journey across long distances and burying them according to engineering design documentation. 

Essential Tasks  

• Utilize appropriate hand and power tools to measure, cut, bend, assemble, and erect components for lifting, moving, and installing plant materials according to plans, specifications, codes, and industry standards. 
• Operate power equipment such as compressors, pumps, blowers, hydraulic diggers, and hydraulic aerial bucket trucks. 
• Pothole/expose existing utilities using vac equipment, excavation equipment, and core drill. 
• Drive company vehicles and tow equipment/dump trailers safely. 
• Use a sonde locator to effectively locate the bore drill head and lead the drill at appropriate depths to avoid existing buried utilities (power, water, sewer, gas). 
• Track drilling information, including length, depth, tie-in tracking, and compile into a bore-log. 
• Use a sonde locator to effectively locate the bore drill head and lead the drill at appropriate depths to avoid existing buried utilities (power, water, sewer, gas). 
• Dismantle, move, and remove underground or building wire, cable, associated equipment, and hardware. 
• Deploy and remove various traffic control devices to protect the work area on streets or roadways. 
• Construct underground plant to specifications, including excavation, trenching, plowing, horizontal directional drilling, and placing new vaults, pull boxes, HUBs, manholes, anchors, and poles. 
• Unload and load equipment safely. 
• Read construction prints, permits, and TCPs to complete construction projects. 
• Manage daily site activities with the team, including site review, construction activities, restoration as required per project 
• Participate in on-call rotation, responding to and restoring services for emergency calls, and be available at short notice to repair damaged cables until service is restored. 
• Update project documentation daily, including construction red-lines and daily updates. 
• Participate in, adhere to, and support all safety-related policies, processes, and programs including conducting the Job Safety Analysis for each project. 
• Examine and inspect field conditions, identify problems, inaccuracies, and cost-saving measures, and take corrective actions, reporting any issues to the supervisor. 
• In the event direct supervision is not onsite and another utility is hit, the Underground Construction Operator II is the responsible person to initiate emergency procedures as outlined in the LS Networks Underground Drilling Crew Training Policy. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Tool and Machinery Operation: Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. 
• Safety Awareness: Familiarity with safety standards and protocols, including OSHA regulations. Ability to identify and respond to safety hazards and warning devices. 
• Physical Abilities: Capability to lift heavy objects, operate machinery, and work long hours in various weather conditions. Precision in using tools and machinery to avoid injuries and ensure quality work. 
• Cognitive Skills: Math and Reading Proficiency: Understanding of basic math, algebra, and geometry for accurate measurements and reading blueprints. 
• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly resolve issues that arise on the job site. 
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth project execution. 
• Listening Skills: Understanding instructions and feedback to improve work quality and safety. 
• Technological Proficiency: Comfort with Technology: Familiarity with construction management software, mobile apps, and other technological tools used in modern construction. 
• Teamwork: Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team to complete projects efficiently. 
• Learning: Willingness to Learn: Staying updated with new construction techniques, tools, and safety practices. 
• Adaptability: Adjusting to new challenges and changes in the work environment. 

Physical Demands/Work Environment 

• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds  
• Ability to bend, kneel, and stoop as required for basic job activities 
• Work indoors in poorly ventilated areas such as attics during extreme heat  
• Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, insects, cleaning solutions  
• Work outdoors in all kinds of weather and at all times of the day or night  
• Work performed near power lines and electricity  
• Work and travel in inclement weather 

Education, Certifications and Experience 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Experience running excavation equipment 
• Experience running HDD Equipment including locating systems, vac equipment, Horizontal directional Drill (DitchWitch/Vermeer) 

Certifications and Training 

• Underground Drilling Crew Training 
• CDL-A w/ Tankers endorsement 
• First aid/AED/ CPR trained 
• OSHA 10 
• Confined spaces certified 
• Flagger certification 
• eRailSafe certified 

Salary : $24 - $28