Fiber Installation Technician

Job Summary

The Fiber Installation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and troubleshooting fiber optic cable and related infrastructure that support high-speed telecommunications networks. This role requires precision, technical expertise, and adherence to industry safety and quality standards. The technician works both independently and collaboratively with project managers, construction teams, and other field personnel to ensure that fiber optic installations are completed efficiently, accurately, and according to design specifications. By ensuring reliable connectivity, the Fiber Installation Technician plays a vital role in the performance of modern communication systems used by residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Key Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by several key performance indicators, including:

• Installation Accuracy: Percentage of installations completed correctly on the first pass, meeting signal performance and loss budget requirements.

• Testing & Quality Assurance Compliance: Consistency in meeting or exceeding required test results and documentation standards.

• Project Timeliness: Ability to complete assigned installations and splicing tasks within project timelines and daily/weekly quotas.

• Safety Performance: Adherence to safety protocols, incident-free job performance, and compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

• Customer/Stakeholder Satisfaction: Quality of communication with project managers, contractors, and end-users, including responsiveness and professionalism.

• Documentation Accuracy: Completeness and correctness of installation logs, test results, as-built information, and equipment reports.

Core Responsibilities

The Fiber Installation Technician performs critical functions that ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality deployment of fiber optic networks. Core responsibilities include:

• Fiber Installation & Deployment: Installing fiber optic cables both aerially and underground, using appropriate equipment and methods.

• Splicing & Termination: Executing precise fiber splicing and connector installation to achieve optimal network performance.

• Testing & Troubleshooting: Using OTDR, light source/power meter, and other tools to confirm signal quality and identify faults.

• Site Preparation & Evaluation: Conducting site surveys, identifying potential hazards, and preparing materials and plans before installation.

• Collaboration & Coordination: Working closely with project managers, contractors, and team members to meet project objectives.

• Safety & Compliance: Following all safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies to prevent incidents and safeguard equipment and personnel.

Key Responsibilities

In addition to core responsibilities, the Fiber Installation Technician will:

• Install fiber optic cable, enclosures, splitters, cabinets, and related components per engineering drawings and project specifications.

• Perform fiber splicing using fusion or mechanical techniques, ensuring low-loss connections and proper fiber management.

• Conduct OTDR, power meter, and continuity testing to verify network integrity and document results.

• Identify and resolve issues related to cable routing, signal performance, or environmental obstructions.

• Assist in evaluating project plans and making recommendations to improve installation efficiency and quality.

• Maintain inventory of materials and ensure proper care and calibration of tools and equipment.

• Keep thorough, organized, and accurate records of installation activities, including splice diagrams, test sheets, and daily logs.

• Operate construction and fiber-installation equipment such as trenchers, aerial lifts, and fiber blowing machines when required.

• Follow job site protocols, ensure proper use of PPE, and participate in ongoing safety training.

• Support quality assurance efforts by reporting discrepancies, equipment failures, or deviations from installation standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Proven experience in fiber optic installation, splicing, and termination.

• Working knowledge of fiber optic testing equipment and procedures (OTDR, OLS, VFL, power meters).

• Ability to interpret construction drawings, fiber maps, schematics, and blueprints.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; ability to travel to various job sites.

• Ability to work outdoors, perform physical tasks, and handle field-based work conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• Fiber optic industry certification (e.g., ETA Fiber Optics Installer, FOA CFOT, or equivalent).

• Experience in construction, utilities, or large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with local, state, and federal safety regulations relevant to fiber installation.

• Basic understanding of telecommunications networks, structured cabling, and related infrastructure.

• Experience operating specialized fiber installation equipment such as fusion splicers, cable blowers, and aerial lift devices.

• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or similar safety training certification.

Key Skills

Technical Skills

• Fiber Optic Installation: Ability to install, secure, and protect fiber cable using industry-standard techniques for both aerial and underground environments.

• Splicing & Termination: Skilled in precision splicing and connectorization to ensure low-loss signal performance and network reliability.

• Testing & Troubleshooting: Proficient with OTDR, light source/power meter, fiber identifiers, and diagnostic tools to verify and repair system performance.

• Equipment Operation: Competence using bucket trucks, trenchers, hand tools, fiber blowers, and other job-specific equipment.

• Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to decipher construction drawings, splice plans, and network schematics.

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in installations, measurements, test results, and documentation.

• Communication: Clearly communicates findings, progress updates, and technical issues to project managers and team members.

• Teamwork: Works effectively with cross-functional crews to meet project goals.

• Problem-Solving: Quickly identifies issues, evaluates solutions, and implements fixes with minimal downtime.

• Organizational Skills: Maintains orderly documentation, inventory, and equipment for efficient work processes.

Compensation & Schedule

• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday

• Pay Range: $18.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Benefits

The Fiber Installation Technician role includes a competitive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Benefits include:

• Vacation and Sick Time

• Paid Holidays

• 401(k) Plan

• Career Advancement