Job Title: Crew Leader — Outside Plant (OSP)
Department: Engineering
Reports to: OSP Superintendent
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (CT) (extended hours when requested)
Location: Orange Beach, Alabama
Job Summary:
The OSP Crew Leader is a hands-on role responsible for performing and coordinating outside plant construction activities. This position works alongside a small crew of technicians in the field, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and to company and industry quality standards. The Crew Leader works closely with the OSP Superintendent to execute daily field operations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work alongside and direct a small crew of OSP technicians performing fiber, coax, and copper installation, splicing, maintenance, and repair.
- Perform and oversee underground cable placement, including fiber optic and coaxial distribution systems.
- Direct and perform fiber splicing (fusion and/or mechanical), termination, and testing using OTDR and power meter equipment.
- Install, maintain, and repair OSP infrastructure including pedestals, cabinets, splice enclosures, and conduit.
- Perform or supervise trenching and underground conduit placement as needed.
- Conduct signal level testing, fault isolation, and cable certification to ensure plant meets design specifications.
- Respond to and assist during emergency restoration efforts, including storm damage repair and service-affecting outages.
- Maintain as-built documentation, strand maps, and splice records for all work performed.
- Identify and report safety hazards, near-miss incidents, and property damage immediately.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by management.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of fiber optic and coaxial cable construction techniques and industry standards.
- Proficiency with OTDR, power meters, fusion splicers, and standard OSP test equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret construction prints, strand maps, and splice diagrams.
- Strong understanding of OSHA safety standards.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced, physically demanding outdoor environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot plant issues in the field.
- Ability to work independently and manage daily priorities with minimal supervision.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 1-2 years of experience in outside plant telecommunications construction, including fiber optic and coaxial cable systems.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a lead capacity directing field work.
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
- Experience working in MDU or resort community environments preferred.
- Experience with FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and GPON architecture preferred.
Work Environment:
- Prolonged periods working outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, and humidity typical of the Gulf Coast.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds regularly; up to 100 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to climb ladders and work at heights using appropriate fall protection.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, crawl spaces, and attic areas.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, and crouch for extended periods.
- Regular operation of company vehicles.
- Manual dexterity sufficient for fiber splicing and detailed cable termination work.
- Must be available for overtime, weekend, holiday, and on-call work as business needs require, including emergency storm response.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
