Telecommunications Plant Operations Lead

Telecommunications Plant Operations Lead

Rockbridge Area Network Authority (RANA) Location: Lexington, Virginia

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Telecommunications Plant Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance, and coordination of the Rockbridge Area Network Authority’s (RANA) fiber optic network plant and colocation data center physical infrastructure. This is a hands-on position responsible for protecting and maintaining RANA’s outside fiber plant while also supporting the physical plant and connectivity infrastructure within the RAP Center carrier-neutral colocation data center.

The Telecommunications Plant Operations Lead serves as a primary point of contact for 811 Miss Utility locate requests, fiber construction and repair contractors, and personnel performing work within the RAP Colocation Data Center. The position requires a strong understanding of fiber optic infrastructure, utility locating, construction practices, fiber troubleshooting, and data center cabling.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working both in the field and inside a data center environment and will be able to independently prioritize work, coordinate contractors, maintain accurate records, and respond to network plant issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Outside Fiber Plant

Respond to and coordinate 811 Miss Utility locate requests involving RANA’s underground fiber optic facilities.

Locate and mark RANA fiber facilities accurately and within required response times.

Maintain accurate records of RANA fiber routes, facilities, handholes, vaults, conduit, and other outside plant assets.

Coordinate with contractors, utilities, property owners, municipalities, and other parties when construction activities may affect RANA facilities.

Inspect RANA fiber plant and identify potential maintenance, damage, or construction issues.

Respond to network plant outages, fiber cuts, and other infrastructure emergencies.

Assist in troubleshooting physical-layer network problems.

Coordinate repairs resulting from fiber cuts, construction damage, utility work, accidents, or other events affecting RANA facilities.

Work with qualified fiber contractors to schedule and oversee emergency and routine fiber repairs.

Coordinate installation of new fiber drops and service extensions, including contractor scheduling, route verification, construction oversight, and completion inspection.

RAP Center / Colocation Data Center Plant

Maintain the physical plant and infrastructure supporting RANA’s RAP Center carrier-neutral colocation data center.

Inspect and maintain data center cabling, pathways, racks, cabinets, fiber distribution equipment, and related infrastructure.

Coordinate customer cross-connect installations and removals.

Install, label, test, and document patch cables and cross-connects in accordance with RANA standards.

Monitor physical conditions affecting the data center plant and report potential issues involving power, cooling, environmental conditions, physical security, or infrastructure.

Ensure work performed in customer areas follows RANA access, safety, and security requirements.

Support data center maintenance activities and scheduled maintenance events.

Qualifications

Required

Experience working with fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure.

Experience with underground utility or telecommunications construction.

Ability to read and understand fiber network maps, construction drawings, and utility plans.

Ability to accurately locate and identify underground telecommunications facilities.

Experience coordinating contractors and field construction activities. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.

Ability to work safely around telecommunications and utility infrastructure.

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

Experience responding to 811/Miss Utility locate tickets.

Fiber optic splicing and testing experience.

Experience with OTDRs, optical power meters, and other fiber test equipment.

Experience with outside plant (OSP) construction.

Experience working in a Primary Network Hub for fiber optic network.

Experience installing fiber and copper cross-connects.

Familiarity with carrier-neutral data center operations.

Experience reading GIS-based fiber network maps.

Knowledge of conduit, handholes, vaults, fiber distribution panels, splice closures, and related OSP infrastructure.

Knowledge of applicable telecommunications construction standards and practices.

Physical Requirements

This position is both field and facility-based and requires the ability to:

Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Walk construction sites and inspect underground fiber facilities.

Access handholes, vaults, cabinets, and other telecommunications infrastructure as required.

Lift and carry equipment and materials appropriate to the position. Perform work in and around telecommunications facilities and data center environments.

Work from ladders or elevated work areas when necessary and properly trained.

Respond to emergency network outages or fiber cuts outside of normal business hours when required.

About RANA

The Rockbridge Area Network Authority (RANA) operates an open-access fiber network and the Richard A. Peterson (RAP) Center, a carrier-neutral colocation facility in Lexington, Virginia. RANA provides telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity to carriers, Internet service providers, businesses, public agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations.

The Telecommunications Plant Operations Lead plays a key role in maintaining the physical infrastructure that supports RANA’s fiber network and data center operations.

Pay: $58,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $68,000