Fiber Technician

A Fiber Technician installs, maintains, and repairs fiber optic networks, splicing cables, testing systems (OTDR, power meters), troubleshooting faults, and ensuring high-speed internet/telecom service for customers, involving physical labor, technical skill with networking equipment, safety compliance, and customer interaction, working both indoors and outdoors. Key duties include aerial/underground cabling, fusion splicing, interpreting blueprints, and documenting work, requiring problem-solving and teamwork. 

Key Responsibilities

• Installation: Laying and connecting fiber optic cables (aerial, underground, indoor), installing enclosures, and setting up networking hardware (routers, switches).
• Maintenance & Repair: Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and fixing network issues; performing scheduled maintenance; replacing faulty cables.
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Using tools like OTDRs, power meters to test signal strength, splice quality, and overall network performance.
• Documentation: Reading technical drawings, creating splice diagrams, and documenting routes, test results, and job completion.
• Customer Service: Explaining project details, costs, timelines, and providing technical support to clients.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhering to safety protocols, working with heavy equipment, and understanding industry standards. 

Essential Skills & Traits

• Strong technical skills with fiber optic equipment and testing tools.
• Problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for customer/team interaction.
• Ability to work outdoors in various conditions and potentially in confined spaces.
• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious. 

Typical Work Environment

• Residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
• Bucket trucks, ladders, trenches, and potentially tight attics/crawlspaces.
• A mix of field work and sometimes office-based documentation/design.