Outside Plant Staff [Remote]

Outside Plant (OSP) Inspector

Job Summary

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.

Equipment & Material Required at ALL Times

• Mobile Phone
• Tablet
• Pink & White Flags
• Safety Vest
• Hard Hat
• Measuring Wheel
• Probe Rod
• Pedestal/ONT wrench
• ONT Security Driver
• Handhole Hook
• Ped Book
• Cable Sheild Megger
• Hot Stick (aerial projects)
• Work Boots

Vehicle Equipped with:

• Safety Light
• VPS Magnetic Signs (unless decaled)

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

Drop Inspector Responsibilities

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 else's 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 doesn't 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.

Plow Inspector Responsibilities

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 contractor's 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 provider's 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.”