Fiber Optic Trade Manager
About The Position
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking an innovative, highly motivated leader with strong technical expertise and strategic communication skills to serve as our Fiber Optic Trade Manager. In this role, you will oversee public-private partnership initiatives for fiber optic infrastructure within UDOT right-of-way (ROW). You will manage projects through the entire life cycle—from initial planning, engineering design, and permitting to construction and final implementation. Serving as a key liaison, you will coordinate with cross-functional teams of design engineers, permitting specialists, civil construction contractors, and splicing technicians. Your primary objective is to facilitate telecommunication agreements and infrastructure expansion in strict compliance with state safety requirements and engineering standards.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related quantitative field, PLUS at least four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of these fields.
- Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 8 years of total related experience if no degree is held).
- Practical command of GIS concepts and tools, specifically ESRI/ArcGIS platforms.
- In-depth knowledge of OSP construction methodologies (e.g., directional boring, micro-trenching), utility locating, fiber splicing technology, and engineering blueprint/KMZ interpretation.
- Ability to track and manage project phases across Engineering/Design, Permitting/ROW, Civil Construction, Splicing/Testing, and As-Built Documentation.
- Proven track record interfacing with local municipalities and regional permit offices to secure excavation, environmental, and make-ready approvals.
- Ability to manage multi-million-dollar infrastructure budgets, evaluate design changes, and mitigate cost overruns.
- Proactive problem-solving skills to resolve unexpected field challenges and streamline contractor operations.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in CAD drafting software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
- Extensive experience managing Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optic construction or large-scale telecommunications infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
- Monitor public-private trade projects to verify compliance with UDOT standards, provide on-site direction, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
- Update and maintain fiber trade databases, including specialized mapping systems (Bentley OpenComms and ESRI/ArcGIS), and assist in publishing fiber trade layers to the UPLAN platform.
- Consult with contractors and engineers to evaluate design options, address technical inquiries, and facilitate device configurations.
- Troubleshoot cross-connections, perform inspections, manage telecom partner activities, and maintain trade website data.
- Guide private and public partners through National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, verify environmental clearances, and ensure proper ROW authorization for maintenance and procurement projects.
- Assist in drafting and negotiating Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between entities, while coordinating with UDOT Regions and Project Managers for permitting and public notification.
Benefits
- Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
- Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
- Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
- Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
