Cable Plant Technician

Description

Job Description

The Inside/Outside Cable Plant Technician is responsible for the comprehensive installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all copper and fiber optic cable infrastructure within the organization. This position requires proficiency in both indoor environments (such as telecommunications rooms, data centers, and office buildings) and outdoor settings (including utility poles, underground systems, and construction sites). The technician ensures reliable communication and data transmission services across various network configurations, adhering to industry standards and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficient in the use of fiber optic and copper testing equipment (e.g., OTDR, power meters, cable testers) and able to interpret testing results to inform troubleshooting efforts.

• Troubleshooting physical network issues in outdoor environments.

• Following construction standards for pole work, trenching, and right of way compliance.

• Installation and termination of copper cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A).

• Installation, routing, and termination of fiber optic cabling (single mode & multi mode).

• Use of patch panels, racks, cable trays, and structured cable systems.

• Labeling, documentation, and cable management best practices.

• Fiber optic splicing (fusion & mechanical).

• Fiber testing, troubleshooting, and restoration.

• Installation and repair of aerial and buried copper/fiber cables.

• Working with conduits, handholes, pedestals, and cabinets.

• Reading and interpreting schematics, blueprints, and network maps.

Cable locating:

• Perform comprehensive pre locate assessments, reviewing as built drawings, splice records, GIS maps, and historical route data to ensure all underground assets are accurately identified before field work begins.

• Use advanced electromagnetic and RF cable locating equipment to trace the precise path, depth, and separation of multiple buried facilities, including fiber, copper, and conduit systems, even in congested utility corridors.

• Validate locate accuracy through multiple verification methods, such as passive/active signal tracing, tone and probe confirmation, and cross checking with known landmarks, handholes, and splice points.

• Apply industry standard marking protocols (APWA color codes) using paint, flags, and documentation tags, ensuring clear, durable, and unambiguous markings that construction crews can rely on.

• Identify and communicate potential conflicts or risks, such as shallow buried lines, abandoned infrastructure, mismarked utilities, or undocumented facilities, escalating issues to engineering or supervisors when necessary.

• Coordinate directly with contractors and site supervisors, explaining locate boundaries, tolerance zones, and any special precautions required to prevent strikes or service interruptions.

• Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and installation specific dig permit requirements, ensuring all locate work supports the broader safety and compliance framework of the facility.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail, enabling effective diagnosis and resolution of technical issues.

Communication Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities to articulate technical issues and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Organizational Skills:

• Experience in project management, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for installations and maintenance activities.

Regulatory Knowledge:

• Understanding of telecommunications regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices, including OSHA regulations and local building codes.

• Working safely in varied weather and terrain.

Customer Service Orientation:

• Experience in providing excellent customer service, addressing client concerns, and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment (over 50 lbs.).

• Capable of working in manholes and getting in and out of trenches.

• Proficient in using heavy equipment as necessary for installation and maintenance tasks.

• Ability to see colors accurately and use both hands efficiently for tasks involving intricate work.

Work Environment:

• The position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and indoors in telecommunications rooms, data centers, and other technical environments.

• Work orders for inside adds/moves/changes should typically be completed within 4 business days barring special circumstances. Notes should be updated once per week in AESMP for status updates to customers.

• Outdoor cable plant jobs/projects will have varying timetables. Contractor shall keep COR/COTR apprised of expected completion dates.

• Before any ground disturbing activity or confined space entry occurs on a federal installation, contractors must complete an approval process designed to protect personnel, infrastructure, and mission critical systems. The process typically includes submitting a drawing/print/map that includes cable routes, utility locates. The installation’s Public Works or Base Civil Engineer office then coordinates utility clearance through the installation’s “Dig Permit” or “Excavation Permit” program, which requires verification of all known underground utilities—communications, power, water, fuel, fiber, and security systems—often involving on site marking by base utility personnel. For confined space work, a separate Confined Space Entry Permit is required, including atmospheric testing, rescue planning, and verification that the space is classified and authorized for entry. Work cannot begin until all permits are approved, environmental office, and facility manager have signed off.

• Estimated 4160 hours per year.

Installation:

• Cabling Systems:

• Install, terminate, and test copper and fiber optic cabling systems in accordance with organizational standards and specifications. This includes telecommunications rooms, data centers, external network nodes, and other relevant facilities.

• Ensure correct installation of cable pathways, including conduits, raceways, cable trays, and associated hardware, following blueprints, schematics, and installation guidelines.

Equipment Setup:

• Communications Room Configuration: Set up new communications rooms within telecommunications closets, which include installing and configuring essential equipment such as:

• Racks and Enclosures: Assemble and install equipment racks to accommodate networking hardware, ensuring proper spacing and ventilation for optimal performance.

• Patch Panels: Install patch panels for organized cable management, facilitating easy connections and reconnections of cables within the network.

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems: Set up UPS systems to provide backup power for critical networking equipment, ensuring continuous operation during power outages.

• Backboards and Blocks: Install backboards for mounting telecommunications equipment and blocks for efficient cable management, ensuring that all cabling is neatly organized and accessible.

• Cabling: Route and secure cabling from the main distribution frame to the patch panels and other equipment, following best practices for cable management to minimize wear and interference.

• Line Interface Units (LIUs): Configure and connect LIUs to integrate external communication lines with internal network systems, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to organizational standards.

• Labeling: Clearly label all cables, ports, and equipment to facilitate troubleshooting and maintenance, ensuring that future modifications can be executed with minimal confusion.

Maintenance:

Routine Inspections:

• Conduct scheduled inspections of existing copper and fiber optic cable infrastructure to assess performance, identify potential issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Document findings and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:

• Utilize appropriate testing equipment (e.g., optical time domain reflectometers, power meters, cable testers) to diagnose and resolve issues related to cable performance, connectivity, and network outages. Implement solutions to rectify identified problems efficiently.

Repair:

• Damage Assessment:

• Diagnose and repair damaged cables, connectors, and related equipment promptly to minimize service disruptions. This includes both field repairs and in-house testing and repair as necessary.

System Upgrades:

• Replace or upgrade cabling systems as necessary, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry’s best practices. Document all repairs and modifications made to the infrastructure.

Documentation:

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate records of installation and maintenance activities, including cable pairs, testing results, service reports, and compliance documentation. Ensure that all records are updated in real-time and stored according to organizational policies. Records shall be kept in the system to ensure safety requirements for emergency dispatch.

Inventory Management:

• Update and manage inventory of materials and supplies required for installations and repairs. Track usage and order additional materials as needed to prevent delays in service. All materials shall be noted on trouble tickets.

Safety and Compliance:

• Safety Protocols:

• Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines when working in various environments, including outdoor construction sites and confined spaces. This includes the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to OSHA safety regulations.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding telecommunications infrastructure. Stay updated on changes in regulations and standards affecting the industry.

Collaboration:

• Work with engineering and project management teams to assist in planning and implementing network expansion projects. Participate in project meetings and contribute to the development of project timelines and deliverables.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including team members, clients, and external vendors, to ensure project requirements are met and address any concerns regarding installations or service disruptions.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in telecommunications or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the installation, repair, upkeep and maintenance of copper and fiber optic cable systems, with a strong understanding of industry standards and practices.

• Seeking an exceptionally experienced Inside/Outside Cable Plant Technician with a proven background in advanced fiber optic and copper infrastructure across both controlled indoor environments and demanding outdoor field conditions. Extensive hands on expertise in fiber splicing (fusion and mechanical), OTDR testing, network restoration, and the installation, routing, and termination of structured cabling systems. Experience successfully executing aerial, buried, and conduit based cable deployments, operated specialized field equipment, and maintained strict adherence to industry standards, safety protocols, and documentation practices.

3.2.1 ISP/OSP Technician Certification Requirements:

• Required Certifications:

• Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) - At start at contract start date.

• Certified Installer (CI) for both copper and fiber systems - At start at contract start date.

• NetPlus trained – within six (6) months of employee start date. Training shall include online and classroom training to include at a minimum:

o NetPlus Equipment Inventory (Online)

o NetPlus Subscriber Service Records (Online)

o Additional NetPlus Record Maintenance (Online)

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Long-term / RTH opportunity

TEKsystems offers a competitive benefits package to include: paid holidays, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, LTD & STD, company paid life insurance, 401(k) and tuition reimbursement.

Work Environment

on-site- secure environment

Business Drivers/Customer Impact

Net New

Why is the position open(provide details)

External Communities Job Description

TEKsystems has partnered with a local client to identify a Network Admin at Dugway Utah. Ideal candidate would have an active SECRET clearance, a Sec+.

Skills

Fiber optic testing, Fiber optic splicing, Fiber optic, Splicing, Coax, Fiber splicing

Top Skills Details

Fiber optic testing,Fiber optic splicing,Fiber optic,Splicing,Coax,Fiber splicing

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Peachtree Corners, GA.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $38.46/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Peachtree Corners,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.