Fiber Optic Design - Trainee Assistant Consultant

Fibersmith•Columbia, MO

About The Position

At Fibersmith, we help telecom providers bring high-speed internet to more homes, businesses, and communities across the country. Our work supports real broadband expansion through smart engineering, accurate data, and strong project execution. We are looking for detail-oriented, motivated individuals to join our Engineering & Design team as Trainee Assistant Consultants. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with maps, data, technology, and organized project documentation - and wants to grow in the fiber engineering industry. As a Trainee Assistant Consultant, you will support the Engineering & Design team by helping create accurate GIS updates, maps, reports, project records, and other design-related documentation. You will work under the direction of Consultants, Senior Consultants, Project Leaders, and Team Leaders while learning Fibersmith’s standards, tools, and workflows. This role is a strong starting point for someone who wants to build technical skills, learn Fibersmith’s design standards and systems, and grow toward an Engineering Consultant position over time.

Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to follow established standards, templates, and workflows.
Ability to manage time effectively and complete assigned tasks with support.
Willingness to learn GIS, mapping, project documentation, and fiber engineering workflows.
Ability to complete daily timecards with the correct work order/job code and clear, concise work descriptions.
Ability to work professionally within a team environment.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for roles requiring field data collection.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience or strong interest in GIS.
Familiarity with 3GIS, ArcGIS, CAD, or similar mapping/design tools.
Experience with project documentation, file organization, or version control.
Interest in fiber networks, broadband infrastructure, permitting, mapping, or telecom design.
Experience working in structured workflows where accuracy and documentation matter.

Responsibilities

Enter and update features, attributes, and connections in GIS software.
Assist with preliminary design elements as directed by consultants or project leadership.
Create and update digital maps using established standards for labeling, layers, symbology, attributes, and layouts.
Generate field and construction maps for staking, inspection, and other downstream activities.
Help keep plant records and project deliverables accurate and organized.
Prepare, generate, and update reports for project status, plant records, and internal tracking.
Maintain files, drawings, designs, and supporting documentation in Fibersmith’s document management system.
Follow proper naming, version control, and organization standards.
Help identify missing information, inconsistent data, or documentation gaps and ask questions early.
Collect or support the collection of field data, such as poles, foreign utilities, and other points of interest.
Support other project tasks as assigned to help the team meet deadlines and maintain quality.
Organize permit documentation, exhibits, maps, application packets, and supporting forms.
Create or update permitting maps using 3GIS, ArcGIS, or CAD tools as required.
Track permit status updates and follow-ups in assigned systems.
Document locations clearly and consistently, including road names, road numbers, and highways when applicable.