Job Description

Telecom Field Operations Fiber Technician

The Telecom Field Operations Fiber Technician is responsible for project and operational support of Southern Company’s outside plant (OSP) and campus fiber infrastructure. This role supports critical optical transport systems, including DWDM, GPON, MPLS, SEL-ICON, and SCADA networks. Work is performed in accordance with established standards, service-level expectations, operational procedures, and applicable work agreements to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality service delivery.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• A two-year advanced education degree (college/technical/vocational certification) in a technology field, telecommunications field, equivalent military training, or 5 years equivalent hands-on experience in a technology or a fiber optic field is required.
• Fundamental understanding of various types of fiber optic cable, installation practices, installation materials, and testing equipment.
• Fundamental understanding of various optical network topologies, e.g., general telecommunications, DWDM, GPON, MPLS, SEL-ICON and SCADA and how they operate.

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license is preferred.

General Competencies:

• Maintain a “safety first” mindset and foster a positive safety culture
• Exhibit Southern Company’s Core Values (Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment)
• Work independently with minimal supervision, be a self-starter, and demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills.
• Collaborate and coordinate contractors and/or vendors associated with the Field Operation function as appropriate.
• Work with internal business partners, vendors, contractors, and other Technology Organization (TO) groups related to projects and operational support.
• Understand and adhere to all Southern Company billing and performance processes and procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation and equipment inventories for assigned jobs.

• Ability to work extended hours during emergency restoration.

Technical Competencies

• Responsible for the project and operational support of Southern Company’s outside plant (OSP) fiber, campus fiber, and optical transport networks
• Ability to logically troubleshoot and repair fiber optic infrastructure along with all associated peripheral hardware (line hardware, distribution panels, splice enclosures, patch cables, etc.)

• Proficient in single/ribbon splicing and terminating single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables

• Proficient in reading, testing, and documenting using an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

• Fundamental understanding of CD (Chromatic Dispersion) and PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion) and bi-directional fiber optic testing is preferred

• Experience with Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fiber cable of various types. (e.g., stainless steel tube, tight buffer tube, star, etc.) is preferred

• Experience with All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) and other aerial fiber optic cables

• Experience documenting fiber optic route information (traces, power levels, splice points, etc.)

• Experience installing and maintaining ancillary equipment (alarm systems, DC/AC power systems, etc.) is preferred

General Requirements:

• Annual Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam

• Valid US drivers license

• Ability to tow a trailer up to 10,000 lbs

• Ability to drive long distances, walk on uneven surfaces, climb ladders, work at heights of 50 feet or less, and carry at least 50 lbs.

• Support fiber infrastructure across the state of Georgia, requiring regular overnight travel

• 24x7 365 “on-call” support