Fiber Optic Technician

The South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD), a municipal electric utility company with 8,000 customers and over a century of service to the people of South Hadley, is seeking a Fiber Optic Technician who will be responsible for the physical construction, installation, splicing, and testing of fiber optic networks. This position will also support installation, service deployment, and trouble resolution for a wide range of telecommunications, data, internet, and voice services deployed by SHELD. This is a union position

Position Responsibilities:

· Installing and removing aerial cable, including installation of messenger strand and transfer of cable and equipment from old poles to new poles.

· Installing underground cables through conduit systems, handholes, and manholes.

· Installation of underground infrastructure including but not limited to conduit, manholes and handholes using plowing, digging, and/or trenching equipment.

· Interpret engineering designs, splice prints, schematics, and OSP maps to execute precise cable placement.

· Prepare construction pathways, clear blockages in conduits, and ensure proper slack is left at designated storage points.

· Perform single-fusion splicing on loose-tube fiber optic cables.

· Prep, build, and seal OSP splice enclosures and mount them to poles or place them in underground vaults.

· Terminate fiber cables inside cabinets, hubs, and optical distribution frames (ODFs) using various connector types.

· Perform bi-directional testing using OTDRs (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers), Power Meters, and Light Sources.

· Review trace data to identify macro-bends, bad splices, or connector issues, ensuring loss budgets meet engineering specifications.

· Troubleshoot and locate fiber breaks or degradation in the field, executing rapid emergency restoration services.

· Fiber to The Home (FTTH) installation of internet and voice services, including troubleshooting and repair.

· Copper voice and data line installation, repair, troubleshooting.

· Installing Central Office feeder and distribution cable.

· Conducting customer site surveys and network assessments.

· Completing fiber optic Outside Plant (OSP) and Inside Plant (ISP) related forms and reports with Telecom Network Engineer.

· Performing all OSP/dig safe related duties as assigned by Management, as time and training permits.

· Safely operate bucket trucks, cable pullers, lashers, and hand tools required for utility infrastructure construction.

Job Knowledge/Skills Required:

· Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience with HFC (hybrid fiber-coaxial)/Fiber Optic cable plants.

· Proficiency using related splicing equipment including fusion splicers, OTDR, fiber identifiers, all related splicing tools, documents and industry safety procedures.

· Familiar with broadband standards, applications, processes, and procedures.

· Experience in aspects of fiber optic & communications construction.

· Installation of coax, twisted pair cabling and troubleshooting customer’s equipment a plus.

· Familiar with OSHA safety standards and requirements for work site applications

· Knowledgeable of bucket truck operation, safety procedures and proper traffic safety set up.

· Demonstrate an understanding of Customer Premise Equipment (i.e., Routers, TV’s, Streaming Devices, etc.)

· Must be able to problem solve with customers

· Exceptional organizational skills, detail oriented

· Perform all other ancillary assignments or duties as directed by Management and/or Lead Telecom Technician.

· Provide support during storms or emergency restoration, providing assistance as directed.

· Participation in on-call rotation.

Reporting Relationships:

· Fiber Optic Technicians report directly to the Manager of Marketing, Customer Service and Technical Support Compliance, or designee.

Qualifications and Physical Requirements:

· High school diploma or GED

· Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

· Ability to obtain a Massachusetts 1C Hoisting License

· Safe driving record accepted by SHELDs insurance company.

· Able to lift 80 pounds.

· Able to work in confined spaces and heights of at least 40 feet.

· Dependable and accountable.

· Ability to distinguish between colors.

· Must live within a reasonable driving distance and be able to report to work within 30 minutes as defined in the union contract.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including a Massachusetts Public Employee Pension Plan and excellent benefit package.

Qualified candidates can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume.

SHELD, South Hadley Electric Light Dept is an Equal Opportunity Employer conforming to all OSHA safety standards, federal and state regulations pertaining to the states and jurisdictions work is performed. Safety is of the utmost priority for the public and employees.

Pay: $40.74 - $44.27 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you live within a reasonable driving distance and be able to report to work in South Hadley within 30 minutes as defined in the union contract?
• Do you have a minimum of 5 years’ experience with Hybrid fiber-coaxial /Fiber Optic cable plants?

License/Certification:

• Massachusetts Drivers License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41 - $44