OSP Fiber - Field Operations Technician

Company Overview

We are a Hudson Oaks, Texas-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivering High Speed Internet and Voice Services throughout multiple states to residential, business, K-12 Education and government customers. We believe there is much more to an internet company than just delivering cost-effective internet solutions; we believe in delivering an overall customer experience that our competitors simply cannot match.

The OSP Fiber - Network Operations Technician supports the reliability and performance of Nextlink’s fiber optic network through splicing, testing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and service restoration. The position maintains aerial and underground backbone, feeder, distribution, and access facilities, including splice closures, fiber and splitter cabinets, network electronics, and associated power equipment. The technician coordinates planned maintenance and outage response with management and network operations, directs field crews during assigned maintenance events, and documents completed work to keep network records accurate.

Classification: Field Infrastructure | Full-time, Non-Exempt

Work Location: In person / field-based

Schedule and Travel: Combination of day and night work; 75–100% travel required.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fiber Preparation, Splicing, and Plant Maintenance

- Read construction prints, splice diagrams, fiber assignments, route maps, and wiring diagrams to plan work; verify field conditions and resolve discrepancies before changing network connections.

- Prepare and fusion splice loose-tube and ribbon fiber optic cables using single-fiber and mass fusion methods appropriate to the assigned cable. Identify fibers using the standard color code; clean, strip, cleave, protect, and organize fibers to maintain splice quality.

- Install, repair, and maintain splice closures, trays, pigtails, connectors, patch panels, splitter cabinets, and related hardware. Maintain bend radius, strain relief, slack storage, sealing, and labeling; complete grounding and bonding of metallic components as required.

- Perform mid-span access, express fiber routing, and work on high-fiber-count cables as assigned, protecting unassigned fibers and existing live services.

- Inspect aerial and underground plant, including rights-of-way, cable routes, cabinets, vaults, and attachment hardware. Identify damaged cable, water intrusion, loose hardware, routing problems, or other conditions affecting network reliability and complete or coordinate repairs.

Optical Testing and Troubleshooting

- Operate fusion splicers, OTDRs, optical light sources, power meters, optical loss test sets, visual fault locators, and connector inspection equipment. Inspect and clean connector end faces before connection and testing.

- Set appropriate OTDR wavelengths, range, and pulse width; use launch and receive fibers where required. Interpret traces to locate faults and evaluate splice events, reflections, excessive loss, bends, and cable damage.

- Measure end-to-end optical loss, perform bidirectional OTDR testing when specified, and compare results against approved loss budgets and acceptance criteria. Correct deficiencies and retest before closing work orders.

- Troubleshoot live optical networks and loss-of-signal (LOS) conditions across backbone, feeder, distribution, and access points. Apply working knowledge of FTTx, passive optical networks (PON), and GPON to isolate outages and restore service.

Network Equipment and Power Systems

- Inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain headend electronics, cabinet equipment, and other critical network infrastructure within assigned training and authorization.

- Apply knowledge of AC-to-DC rectification and associated power supplies, connections, alarms, and backup power components when evaluating equipment failures. Use voltage and other appropriate meters to verify operating conditions.

- Use company-approved computer programs to support equipment installation, activation, status checks, and service verification; coordinate configuration changes and unresolved equipment issues with network operations or engineering.

Outage Response, Coordination, and Field Leadership

- Receive direction from management and coordinate assigned crews during maintenance, cutovers, and emergency restoration. Communicate the work sequence, task assignments, safety requirements, and progress.

- Arrange service-affecting maintenance through the appropriate approval and communication channels. Confirm the affected fibers and services, maintenance window, restoration plan, and required support before work begins.

- Respond to outages, assess field conditions, identify the failure location, and coordinate repairs with operations, construction crews, contractors, and other support teams. Provide timely status updates and escalate barriers to restoration.

- Verify optical performance, equipment status, and service recovery with network operations before returning affected facilities to normal service.

Documentation, Equipment, and Worksite Responsibilities

- Complete production reports, time records, work order notes, outage findings, splice records, fiber assignments, OTDR files, and optical test reports. Submit accurate field redlines, map updates, and as-built information for areas worked.

- Safely operate bucket trucks and mini excavators for assigned maintenance work after required training and authorization. Complete equipment and vehicle inspections and follow applicable DOT requirements and company procedures.

- Access aerial facilities from approved ladders or aerial lifts and underground facilities using applicable access procedures. Coordinate utility locating and follow excavation requirements before disturbing the ground.

- Maintain clean, organized work areas and properly care for tools, test equipment, vehicles, and supplies.

Report equipment defects, material shortages, and unexpected field conditions promptly.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Practical knowledge of fiber cable construction, color codes, loose-tube and ribbon configurations, connector types, splice enclosures, and cable management.

- Ability to prepare, splice, terminate, and test fiber optic cable; interpret test results; and distinguish splicer loss estimates from measured network performance.

- Understanding of live optical networks, FTTx architecture, PON/GPON operation, and AC/DC power principles relevant to assigned network equipment.

- Ability to interpret prints, splice documents, and wiring diagrams and perform systematic troubleshooting to meet plant performance requirements.

- Clear communication in person, by telephone, and in written reports; strong organization, time management, and attention to workmanship and documentation.

- Ability to work independently, collaborate with other departments, and lead assigned field crews while managing changing priorities and multiple work orders.

- Computer and mobile-device proficiency for work orders, maps, test-file uploads, equipment verification, and company communication.

- Dependable attendance and availability for overnight maintenance, emergency response, overtime, and substantial travel.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

- Hands-on experience preparing, splicing, terminating, and testing fiber optic cable using fusion splicers, OTDRs, and optical power meters required.

- Previous experience maintaining live optical networks and troubleshooting outages require, including work on aerial and underground OSP facilities.

- Ability to safely operate a bucket truck and mini excavator; required task-specific training and authorization must be completed before operation.

- Valid driver’s license required, with a driving record meeting company requirements. Working knowledge of DOT requirements applicable to assigned vehicles and equipment.

- Experience with controlled cutovers, emergency restoration, high-fiber-count cable, and field crew coordination preferred.

- FOA CFOT or comparable fiber splicing/testing credentials preferred. OSHA 10 and applicable aerial lift, traffic control, confined-space, and first aid/CPR training preferred; required training must be completed before covered assignments.

- Must pass the company’s required drug screening and criminal background check.

Work Environment and Safety

Work occurs outdoors, in splice trailers, at headend and network facilities, and around aerial and underground plant. Conditions may include heat, cold, rain, uneven ground, traffic, moving machinery, moderate noise, and proximity to transformers and overhead power.

- Use required PPE and follow applicable ladder, fall protection, aerial lift, traffic control, excavation, and electrical safety procedures. Observe required clearances around energized equipment and overhead lines.

- Follow optical-source precautions, wear appropriate eye protection, collect and dispose of glass fiber shards safely, and handle cleaning chemicals and fusion splicers according to manufacturer instructions. Never look directly into a fiber or connector.

- Assess job-site hazards, report unsafe conditions and incidents, and pause work when conditions cannot be made safe. Outdoor work must follow company weather-related safety limits.

Physical Demands

Duties require prolonged seated work during splicing; standing and walking; climbing ladders; working at varying heights from a bucket truck; and bending, crouching, balancing, kneeling, stooping, and reaching. The technician must be able to push, pull, grasp, and perform fine hand movements on cable and electronic equipment; distinguish fiber color codes using appropriate identification methods; inspect small components; and read test displays. Tools, materials, and equipment must be moved as needed using lifting aids or team assistance when appropriate. Essential duties may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Working Hours and Travel

- Minimum 40 hours per week, with overtime as needed. Work is mainly at night to support maintenance windows, with daytime, weekend, and holiday assignments as operational needs require.

- Participate in scheduled on-call coverage and emergency restoration assignments.

- 75–90% travel required, including overnight stays and assignments across the company’s service areas.

Affirmative Action (AAP/EEO Statement):

Nextlink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Drug Free Workplace:

Nextlink intends to provide a safe work environment that will help protect the safety, health and well-being of all employees. Therefore, we are committed to an alcohol and drug-free workplace.