Fiber Technician Apprentice

No matter the role, everyone at Expanse brings it. EVERY. DAY.

Our smart, gritty team supports, challenges, and motivates each other to think hard, work with craft, and build things that last. We serve a broad operating footprint, with headquarters in Oklahoma City and field offices across New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah. Across the energy value stream, from energy production through the delivery of electricity, Expanse delivers scalable, data-driven solutions that reduce costs and increase productivity for our customers. We shorten timelines. We increase uptime. And we push the energy industry forward.

Everything we do runs on GRIT: Grit, Reciprocity, Innovation, and Trust. It's how we show up, how we decide, and how we hold each other accountable.

Got what it takes to join us? Bring it.

Position Summary:

The Fiber 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.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Position:

Knowledge

• Policies, practices, and procedures of Expanse, PowerStream & MidCentra
• Adhere to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) procedures and guidelines
• Principles of customer service
• Safety practices associated with product assembly and disassembly
• Technical understanding of mechanics and machinery.
• Mechanical and electrical systems.

Skills

• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Strong math skills, mechanical, and electrical aptitude
• Excel proficiency, ERP/inventory software, organization, customer service, attention to detail, communication, multitasking, supply chain knowledge.
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Organizational skills, time management, and prioritization
• Proficient computer and digital reporting skills
• Attention to detail and quality
• Leadership skills and informal coaching

Abilities

• Practice and foster safe work methods, identify workplace hazards, and use appropriate safety equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues, and the public.
• Lead by example in safety, professionalism, and technical excellence
• Identify hazards and apply appropriate controls and PPE
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Find solutions to problems.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations such as inclement weather.
• Regular, timely attendance.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics and technical manuals.
• Identify processes and streamline inefficiencies.

Physical Demands

• Required stand for long periods.
• Push, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, and vehicles.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, ice).
• Exposure to potentially dangerous work areas and environments.