Outside Plant Staff

The Outside Plant (OSP) Inspector plays a critical role in the success of construction projects at Vantage Point Solutions. Inspectors serve as the on-site representatives of both Vantage Point and our clients ensuring that all work is completed according to plans specifications and permitting requirements. Inspectors are responsible for monitoring contractor performance keeping accurate records and maintaining strong communication with the assigned Resident.

All OSP employees begin as Inspectors and are eligible to move into the Resident after demonstrating strong performance and mastering the responsibilities of inspection.

You are expected to know where these items are located and how to access them at all times.

Inspection Responsibilities

• Review the proposed route with the customer (if the customer contract sheet is provided follow it).
• Verify you are on the correct property before work begins and take the best route possible to the house. Do not place a drop to a subscriber on someone elses property.
• Inspect cable type duct riser guard and grounding material ensure correct size and type.
• Ensure that cable depth meets required standards; contact the Resident if there are any questions.
• Ensure proper grounding and bonding per contract.
• Confirm that existing facilities (phone electric propane etc.) are located and exposed before crossing.
• Ensure that the BM83 and enclosure are installed correctly (neat with the correct # of clamps).
• Place and complete the decal inside the enclosure (Note: Sharpie can be used for any needed information if client doesnt require a decal).
• Confirm all clean-up is completed before leaving the property:
  • All holes filled.
• Yard raked and seeded.
• Notify the Resident immediately of:
  • Any and all damages to facilities or property (incident report filled out same day).
• Any new crew not of the same company name as the general contractor.
• Be sure not to sit in vehicle while construction is ongoing.

Record Keeping

Daily

• Record all cable sequentials start/end points and reel numbers into Fieldmaps and your ped book.
• In Fieldmaps update your cable sequentials and unit installs by clicking on the house.
• Update FiberView (Fieldmaps) to reflect progress this provides real-time visibility to the client in Vantage360
• Complete your daily log and sync Fieldmaps.
• Update cable route.

Weekly

• Submit a progress report to the Resident before ending your work week.
• Turn in ped/plow books to the Resident.

As Needed

• Follow up on partially completed drops to ensure they are finished in a timely manner.

Inspection Responsibilities

• Be Present with the plow crew at all times during construction. Do not sit in vehicle.
• Ensure that correct materials are being used (cable warning tape duct pedestals handholes ground rods splice cases etc.)
• Verify that cable is placed with slack. When pulling cable use a 600 pounds breakaway.
• Use probe rod to confirm proper cable depth.

Record Keeping

Daily

• Record all cable sequentials start/end points and reel numbers in Fieldmaps and your ped book.
• In Fieldmaps record all installed units by clicking on the enclosures (pedestals and handhold)
• Complete your daily log and sync Fieldmaps.
• Depth Checks
  • o 2-3 checks per rural mile
• o 2 checks per city block
• Revise any route changes or facility changes from as staked

Weekly

• Submit a progress report to the Resident before ending your work week.
• Turn in ped/plow books to the Resident.

Permitting Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Prep

• Obtain and review all public ROW permits before construction begins.
  • o Understand placement requirements depths and restoration guidelines.
• Confirm all private easements are signed and easily accessible.
• Review staking sheets and easements for landowner-specific requests/instructions.
• Verify that landowners have been notified before entering their property.

Daily

• Monitor that all construction is complying with ROW permit requirements and all other requirements are being followed.
• Confirm that cable placement follows the requirements (correct location depth offset etc.)
• Double-check route changes or deviations with the Resident before construction proceeds.

As Needed

• Coordinate with the Resident and ROW officials ahead of time if there are any permit concerns route changes or potential violations
• Allow time for landowners to remove crops if it is during harvest season.
• Track crop damage on the fielding sheets and clarify the tracking method with the Resident at the start of the project.
• Document fence cuts and ensure they are repaired immediately after installation.
• NEVER EVER direct the contractor or their crews. All instruction or clarifications must go through the contractors foreman or superintendent through the VPS resident.
• Be proactive in identifying issues and work collaboratively with the VPS resident to resolve them.

General Guidelines

Role & Responsibility

• Ensure all records and reports are accurate and up to date at the end of each day.

Communication with Contractors

• Providing direction may be considered project management which can create liability for you and Vantage Point Solutions.

Problem-Solving

• Keep the resident in the loop on any field changes and challenges.

Professionalism & Conduct

• You represent Vantage Point Solutions and the client both on and off the job site. This includes after hours especially when working in client communities.
• Be mindful of interactions with contractors outside of work hours as these may affect your authority and credibility on-site.

Appearance & Identification

• Present yourself professionally at all times.
  Recommended:
• Jeans with no holes.
• Vantage Point T-shirt Collard Button Up or Polo.
• Work boots are required.
• If hats are worn they should be VPS hats or unmarked.
• Clients may provide/assign apparel as we work on their projects. Apparel from one provider should not be worn at another providers location.
• NO sandals flip flops etc.
• Any apparel that is given to a VPS staff member from an industry vender should not be worn while on the clients projects to maintain our vender agnostic position.
• Coats or jackets are often worn by OSP staff.
• Clothing should either be VPS or unmarked (ex. Carhartt coat with no other etchings or advertisements.
• Clothing should be clean.
• Make yourself identifiable as the project leads you should be recognizable as the main point of contact on-site.

Vehicle Standards

• Refer to the Vantage Point company handbook or any provided vehicle guidelines for proper use and expectations.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers competitive pay and an attractive benefits package including medical dental vision life disability insurance 401(k) and more.

About Vantage Point Solutions

Vantage Point Solutions was founded in 2002 by a team who believed in putting people both employees and clients first. VPS is a customer-focused technology-driven engineering and consulting firm serving the broadband power and financial industries.

The entire team is driven by a commitment to client satisfaction. We work hard to foster a culture of teamwork respect and commitment (with a good mix of camaraderie and fun too).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage Point Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.