Field Operations Technician

Job Description

Job Description

FirstLight is a leading telecommunications company with a strong commitment to innovation and excellence. We are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers while fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.

FirstLight Field Operations Technicians are responsible for deployment, maintenance, and repair activities on major backbone network components, cell tower back-haul equipment for Mobile Carriers, End-to-end installation, test, turn-up, and maintenance of all FirstLight Enterprise services (Internet, Hosted phone systems, Phone lines, PRI, telephony wiring) on a variety of customer premise equipment (Calix/Telco Systems/Ciena/Adtran/Cisco/Polycom & more).

Works with Provisioning for installation of Service Delivery deployments, Core Network Engineering to facilitate network augments and new network buildouts and with IP Engineering to maintain internal networks. Understands Central Office equipment installation procedures, power & grounding, Fiber Optic splicing and Optical Transport fundamentals. In depth understanding of test equipment for Fiber Qualification (OTDR, Fiber Characterization, Fiber Inspection), RFC circuit testing, Ethernet, TDM, as well as testing power elements of the FirstLight network.

Responsible for preventative maintenance and reporting for facility infrastructure components (i.e. HVAC, Emergency Generators, transfer switching) for all relevant CO/POPS under their area of operation. Must complete and maintain up to date facility audits providing access procedures, floor plans and rack diagrams with detailed equipment, power, and fiber information. Participate in 24/7 On-Call rotation and be available as Essential Personnel in Emergency scenarios.

Preferred essential skills and competencies:

• General knowledge of structured wiring: Copper/fiber optic color codes, general wiring and troubleshooting practices.
• Test circuits and components of telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions using power meters, OTDR units, CAT5 testers, and other network diagnostic tools.
• Network node commissioning.
• AC / DC power theory & best installation practices
• Basic knowledge of IP networking and troubleshooting skills
• Basic fiber optic fusion splicing and industry standard installation practices
• Reading and understanding CLR/DLR’s, circuit run lists, and network diagrams.
• Perform site surveys and prepare MOP’s and installation instructions with diagrams and pictures.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Must have strong organizational, time management, communication (verbal and written), and customer service skills.
• Good geographical knowledge of territory to be covered.
• Continually update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and/or reading technical publications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) with a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years relevant experience installing and troubleshooting voice and data services; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid driver’s license with good driving record. Familiarity with OSHA standards. Ability to pass drug and criminal background checks for carrier access cards.

We offer a competitive base salary as well as an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, paid training, and paid time off.

About FirstLight:

FirstLight provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast connecting more than 13,000 locations in service with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber services as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud and voice services. FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.

FirstLight is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, and inclusion. We recognize that our differences are assets that strengthen us as a team, and FirstLight is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected and recognized. FirstLight Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with state and federal laws, FirstLight’s equal opportunity policy is that all applicants and employees are treated equally by the company with respect to employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or veteran disability.