Fiber Maintenance Technician

Join East Central Energy's mission to deliver secure and dependable fiber internet services to our community! As a Fiber Maintenance Technician, you'll play a pivotal role in installing, inspecting, and maintaining the network of ECE Fiber. Become part of a dynamic team and help craft the future of connectivity!

A day in the life

Install, inspect, maintain, and repair Gigabit Passive Optical Network/10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network (GPON/XGSPON) fiber internet.

Splice single-mode loose tube and ribbon fiber (up to 432 counts).

Perform fiber construction, including Multiport Service Terminal placements, handhold setups, and conduit runs.

Handle aerial and underground fiber optic construction and repairs.

Manage emergency locates, outage reports, and contractor restoration efforts.

Train members on safe fiber internet use; promote and educate on ECE Fiber services and appropriate internet plans.

Conduct pre-install/repair meetings with members.

Install, test, and repair member premise fiber, cat 5/6, and test phone numbers from the Optical Network Terminal or Gateway.

Manage work order documentation for inventory and progress tracking.

Conduct safety inspections on vehicles, tools, and safety equipment.

Requirements

Two-year technical degree and seven years of experience; or a minimum of 10 years of fiber optic construction experience with a combination of Single Mode/Multimode fiber splicing, construction, repair, bucket truck operation, and maintenance of a fiber optic network.

Valid Driver's License required.

DOT medical card required or the ability to obtain within the first month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Identify and understand the minimum approach distances to maintain a safe working distance for aerial fiber optic cables.

Understand GPON/XGSPON fiber to the home infrastructure and optical power behavior and loss.

Suggest ways to improve work and assist with the development of innovative approaches and ideas; observe all safety procedures, report unsafe conditions, and report near misses within 24 hours.

Understand Rural Utilities Service codes as well as working in the right-of-way, building construction, reading interpreting construction prints, and manufacturer specifications.

Strive to continuously build knowledge and skills by pursuing training and development opportunities.

Communicate with employees and members about fiber services and equipment.

Prioritize numerous tasks required in the coordination of member/contractor meetings and installations.

Resolve member complaints in a timely fashion to maintain good public standing for the cooperative.

Possess an elevated level of integrity; respect and maintain confidentiality.

Perform basic mathematical computations to resolve optical loss problems and fault locating.

Understand computer programs for scheduling appointments, time reporting, tracking member equipment information, and communication via MS Office Suite.

What's in it for you?

Join a culture of innovation, empowered decision-making, and accountability.

100% employer-paid medical insurance.

Up to 10% employer contribution to 401(k).

Additional benefits and amenities, including paid time-off programs, education assistance, and more.

The starting wage range for this position is $39-$42/hour. The wage is determined by relevant education and experience. This is a non-exempt (hourly), non-supervisory, onsite position at our Braham, MN, Operations North Building.

ECE is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Apply by Wednesday, January 17, 2023.