Fiber Technician Apprentice

Position Summary:

The Fiber Optic Technician Apprentice is an entry-level position responsible for assisting experienced Fiber Optic Technicians with the installation preparation splicing testing troubleshooting and maintenance of aerial and underground fiber optic systems. Under the supervision and direction of experienced technicians and management the Apprentice will receive hands-on training in fiber optic cable preparation splicing procedures testing equipment splice closures troubleshooting techniques and proper documentation.

The Apprentice will also assist with maintaining project tracking information including production sheets time sheets and customer-required paperwork. All work must be performed in accordance with OSHA requirements Expanse Core Values company safety policies and customer requirements.

This position is intended to develop the technical knowledge field experience and safety skills necessary to progress into a Fiber Optic Technician role.

Essential Functions:

• Assist experienced Fiber Optic Technicians with preparing and splicing single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) fiber optic cables in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Learn proper fusion and mechanical splicing techniques under the supervision of qualified technicians.
• Assist with the preparation and construction of fiber optic splice cases including grounding bonding isolation slack storage and sealing.
• Learn proper cable preparation techniques for loose tube buffer and ribbon fiber.
• Assist with fiber testing and troubleshooting using equipment such as OTDRs optical power meters tone meters fiber identifiers and scopes.
• Learn to read understand and document fiber optic test results.
• Assist technicians with identifying and troubleshooting damaged or improperly functioning fiber.
• Assist with reviewing and interpreting underground and aerial cable records construction plans maps and field documentation.
• Assist with preparing materials tools and equipment needed for assigned projects.
• Maintain accurate production sheets time sheets field reports and other customer-required documentation.
• Communicate job progress issues concerns and field conditions to the supervising technician or supervisor.
• Follow established construction methods and instructions provided by experienced technicians supervisors engineers and project management.
• Participate in required safety meetings training and apprenticeship development activities.
• Follow all applicable company and customer safety procedures and quality-control requirements.
• Perform work in compliance with applicable OSHA FCC NESC NEC company safety manuals technical procedures and the Employee Handbook.
• Properly use clean maintain and secure company tools vehicles fiber optic equipment and testing equipment.
• Maintain assigned work areas and vehicles in a clean safe and organized condition.
• Work flexible hours as required which may include nights weekends overtime and after-hours work.
• Participate in emergency restoration activities and on-call assignments as training and experience allow and under appropriate supervision.
• Travel to project locations as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities (Secondary Functions)

Fiber Splicing & Testing Develop knowledge and hands-on experience preparing various types of fiber optic cables for splicing. Learn the proper operation and care of fiber optic splicing and testing equipment and how to interpret test results for troubleshooting purposes.

Customer Service Maintain professional interactions with project owners customers engineers contractors and other field personnel. Refer scope changes customer concerns or project issues to the supervising technician or Project Manager.

Teamwork Work effectively as part of a crew and follow instructions from experienced technicians crew leaders supervisors and management. Demonstrate a willingness to learn ask questions accept feedback and develop technical skills.

Reporting Provide timely and accurate information regarding assigned tasks work completed project status issues safety concerns and results.

Training & Development Successfully participate in company-provided training and hands-on instruction. Demonstrate continued progress toward performing fiber optic installation splicing testing and troubleshooting tasks independently.

Other Assist other positions and departments as directed by management and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• No previous fiber optic splicing experience required; must have a willingness and ability to learn fiber optic installation splicing testing and troubleshooting techniques.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to learn how to read construction plans maps cable records and technical documentation.
• Safety-minded and committed to following company customer and regulatory safety requirements.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn and use Microsoft Outlook Teams Word and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Dependable punctual and willing to learn from experienced technicians.
• Willingness to complete required company training and obtain applicable fiber optic certifications as required for advancement.
• Ability to effectively and regularly converse and comprehend in English as required to understand safety instructions training work assignments and job-site communications.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to work at construction sites and around underground and aerial fiber infrastructure.
• Ability to lift push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to grasp and manipulate fiber optic tools hand tools and testing equipment.
• Ability to regularly twist bend pull push reach climb kneel and stoop.
• Ability to stand and perform physical work for extended periods.
• Ability to perform detailed work involving small fiber components.
• Ability to work extended or non-standard hours when required by project conditions.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Minimum Experience:

• The Fiber Optic Technician Apprentice position is designed for a developmental role. Apprentices are expected to progressively demonstrate competency in fiber preparation splicing testing troubleshooting documentation safety and field operations.

Other:

This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks motor vehicle records (MVR) and drug testing.

Driving Requirements:

Must possess a valid drivers license must be at least 21 years of age. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record to safely operate company vehicles.

*This position description is a general guideline for work behavior and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all job duties. Therefore it is also not nor can it be implied to be a contract of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. Must be able to successfully complete an intense background investigation.*

Required Experience:

IC