Fiber Network Specialist

City of Ocala•Fl 34471, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a responsible, technical, skilled position involving the installation, configuration, testing, operation, and maintenance of a fiber-optic digital transport system used for high-speed data networks and related equipment. The position is responsible for operating the fiber infrastructure deployed for data and reports to the Department Director or designee. The specialist performs fiber-optic construction, maintenance, fusion splicing, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation; works with network and telecommunications staff on network systems and technologies; and may support CAT-5 work. The role includes field work at customer facilities and other locations, equipment and vehicle use, recordkeeping, inventory tracking, training coworkers, and providing input to the annual enterprise budget. The employee may be called at home at any hour to respond to system malfunctions and make repairs. The position requires work outdoors in adverse weather and around active electrical lines, at heights, and in trenches, vaults, or confined spaces. The employee must live within 45 minutes of the City of Ocala Telecommunications Office within one year of hire or promotion.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of work experience in fiber splicing, as a communication lineman, or in implementation and testing of fiber routes.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly, orally and in writing.
Ability to determine distances to breaks in fiber strands.
Ability to distinguish the full range of colors.
Valid Florida Operator Driver's License with an acceptable driving record, maintained throughout employment.
Within one year of hire or promotion, live and remain within 45 minutes of the City of Ocala Telecommunications Office.
Working knowledge of standard methods, practices, tools, and materials used for repair and maintenance of pole attachments.
Ability to work from service manuals, blueprints, and diagrams.
Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions for field and substation environments.
Skill in using and caring for electrical and electronic test equipment, including OTDRs, volt-ohm meters, fiber-optic testing equipment, and fusion-splicing devices.
Ability to gain working knowledge of computer-aided drafting equipment and procedures for updating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
Ability to analyze data, perform complex mathematical calculations, and visually audit reports, records, and drawings for accuracy and completeness.
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Ability to work with and around active electrical lines and to detect wires of different colors.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work independently.
Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports; problem-solve, evaluate others, and exercise independent judgment to resolve customer concerns.
Ability to work at various heights or in trenches, vaults, and confined spaces, and to climb into a bucket and work from a ladder.
Ability to maintain personal body weight at least 40 pounds below the maximum bucket-truck bucket lift capacity of 300 pounds.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical, or another related field.
Experience with OTDR equipment and using testing equipment to determine losses associated with fiber distance and fusion splices.
Experience with computer-aided drafting software and/or CAD-based fiber-management programs.

Responsibilities

Perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with fiber-optic cable, using vehicles, tools, and equipment while following safe work practices.
Document the fiber-optic network and periodically audit infrastructure to confirm documentation accuracy.
Work with the Network Designer and Voice Systems Tech as technical backup; troubleshoot fiber-network problems and develop solutions.
Perform new and repair fusion splicing of optical fibers and, as needed, assist with CAT-5 installation and troubleshooting.
Test, configure, install, and troubleshoot media-converter edge electronics used for data and voice network transport systems.
Field-test fiber-optic cables using an OTDR and determine acceptable signal losses across fusion and mechanical splices.
Test fiber-optic cables to locate breaks when troubleshooting customer circuits.
Consult Network Engineering staff to resolve fiber-network equipment problems and performance issues.
Identify fibers using labels and color-coding; make handwritten notes and drawing redlines; enter documentation into databases and computer-aided drafting software.
Respond to system malfunctions when called, assess situations, and make appropriate manual repairs promptly.
Install, configure, and troubleshoot network hardware at OUS Telecom customer facilities.
Work directly with the Telecommunications Network Systems Engineer to test, configure, apply, and install new telecommunications technologies.
Maintain and troubleshoot network devices used for data-network interconnectivity.
Evaluate new fiber-optic technologies and products and recommend enhancements or expansion to support proactive network growth.
Track use of fiber-splicing equipment and supplies to maintain adequate stock for daily work.
Provide input to development of the enterprise annual budget.
Communicate clearly and courteously with employees and customers, in person, by two-way radio, and at job sites.
Assist with training personnel, including field instruction on equipment operation, procedures, and safety practices.
Maintain the assigned vehicle and other equipment according to City policies.
Perform other work as assigned.