Long Haul Technician Lead - Columbus, OH

Zayo•Columbus, OH

23h

About The Position

Zayo is seeking a Lead Fiber Route Patroller to protect the integrity, reliability, and resiliency of its long-haul fiber network through advanced route patrol, damage prevention, infrastructure inspection, and technical troubleshooting. This senior individual contributor works independently, leads complex field investigations, identifies infrastructure risks, and provides technical guidance to field personnel to improve network protection and operational performance. The role leads proactive patrols and infrastructure inspections, performs advanced fiber testing and troubleshooting, and coordinates with contractors, utility owners, and technical teams to prevent damage and resolve network risks. It also supports incident response, fault isolation, restoration, root-cause analysis, emergency restoration planning, and continuous improvement in field procedures and documentation. The position requires outdoor work in varying conditions, travel throughout assigned territories, responsiveness to urgent field needs, and compliance with company driving requirements. Estimated base pay is $28.07–$43.22 USD per hour. Non-sales roles may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive plan. The position may also be eligible for benefits including health insurance, life insurance, disability and retirement plans, and paid time off.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Advanced knowledge of fiber infrastructure, long-haul route protection, utility locating, and construction-related damage prevention.
Experience with fiber testing equipment, including OTDRs, optical power meters, and applicable 10G–100G test sets, with working knowledge of Layer 1–Layer 4 testing.
Ability to independently assess field risks, troubleshoot complex issues, interpret infrastructure records, and drive resolution.
Experience coordinating with contractors, utility owners, and technical teams, including incident investigation and root-cause analysis.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical guidance without direct supervisory responsibility.
Strong communication, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, travel throughout assigned territories, respond to urgent field needs, and meet company driving requirements.
Eight or more years of relevant experience is preferred in telecommunications, fiber optics, utility locating, underground construction, or field operations.

Nice To Haves

Technical training or relevant certifications.
Relevant safety or technical certifications.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber route protection, utility locating, damage prevention, and network troubleshooting.
Perform advanced fiber testing, fault isolation, and troubleshooting using OTDRs, optical power meters, 10G–100G test sets, and applicable Layer 1–Layer 4 testing methodologies.
Provide technical guidance, coaching, knowledge sharing, and hands-on mentoring to field technicians, including newly hired and developing technicians.
Assess complex field issues, determine escalation requirements, and coordinate resolution of network risks and service disruptions.
Support development of standardized field troubleshooting procedures, testing methodologies, and technical documentation.
Identify recurring technical issues and recommend corrective actions to improve network reliability and reduce repeat dispatches.
Lead proactive patrols and infrastructure inspections to identify construction activity, excavation, environmental hazards, and potential third-party damage.
Prioritize patrols based on route criticality, historical damage, construction activity, and identified risks.
Use utility locating techniques, GPS, route maps, and construction drawings to identify potential conflicts and protect underground infrastructure.
Coordinate with contractors, utility owners, and construction crews to implement preventive measures and mitigate infrastructure risks.
Serve as an escalation resource when contractors excavate near critical fiber facilities, particularly when locate accuracy, facility ownership, or excavation practices are in question.
Conduct advanced locate audits and field validations to identify missing laterals, inaccurate markings, and discrepancies between physical infrastructure and network records.
Partner with locate vendors, Damage Prevention, GIS, Engineering, and OSP to resolve complex facility identification and locate discrepancies.
Identify opportunities to improve route protection through better documentation, proactive contractor engagement, and lessons learned from damage events.
Assist management in reviewing patrol effectiveness and recommending adjustments to route coverage and construction monitoring.
Lead field assessments of suspected or confirmed damage, documenting site conditions, GPS coordinates, photographs, and technical findings.
Partner with Network Operations, Engineering, Construction, and Field Operations to support fault isolation, restoration, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
Identify recurring damage trends and recommend improvements to patrol practices, locating procedures, and infrastructure protection.
Maintain accurate operational records, equipment readiness, and compliance with OSHA requirements, company safety policies, and established procedures.
Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement in route patrol effectiveness, documentation, and cross-functional coordination.
Ensure field observations, test results, damage locations, and restoration progress are accurately documented and communicated.
Participate in post-incident reviews to identify root causes, restoration challenges, and opportunities for improved response.
Support development and validation of emergency restoration plans for critical long-haul routes.