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 driver's 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.*