Field Technician - Vancouver, BC

Cogent Communications; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Communications is seeking a Telecommunications Field Technician in Canada to manage network field operations, install and troubleshoot equipment across data centers, POPs, and customer sites. You will lead circuit turn‑ups, coordinate with vendors, and document network configurations to ensure high availability and accurate records.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in telecom networks, DWDM/IP know‑how, and hands‑on experience with OTDR, OPM, OSA, and Ethernet test gear.

Qualifications

• Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen legally authorized to work in Canada with residency within 60 minutes of the service area.
• 5+ years of experience on telecommunications networks, including DWDM/IP networks.
• Hands‑on experience with telecom test gear: OPM/OLS, OTDR, OSA, and Ethernet/IP test sets.
• Solid understanding of fiber optics, CWDM, DWDM, and AC/DC power environments.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills; travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Network Field Operations: Manage and execute all network field activities within the assigned region to maintain network health and high availability.
• Device Installation & Troubleshooting: Install, configure, and troubleshoot network equipment across data centers, POPs, and hub facilities.
• Circuit Provisioning: Lead the turn‑up, testing, and activation of new customer circuits across data centers, commercial offices, and proprietary facilities.
• Power & Infrastructure: Work with AC and DC power systems, power distribution units, rectifiers, and battery backups.
• Long‑Haul & Transport Support: Provide technical expertise and operational support for long‑haul deployments, fiber maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Vendor & Contractor Oversight: Direct and manage third‑party vendors and contractors performing inside‑plant (ISP) cable installations, fiber runs, and repairs.
• Documentation & Reporting: Create, maintain, and update accurate network infrastructure and customer connectivity documentation.

Skills

DWDM knowledge

IP networks

Optical test equipment

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Tools

Optical Power Meters (OPM/OLS)

OTDR

Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)

Ethernet/IP test sets

Job description

Cogent Communications is a global, Tier 1 facilities-based ISP, consistently ranked as one of the top five networks in the world and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol CCOI. Cogent specializes in providing businesses with high speed Internet access and Ethernet transport services. Cogent's facilities-based, all-optical IP network backbone provides IP services globally. Since its inception, Cogent has unleashed the benefits of IP technology, building one of the largest and highest capacity IP networks in the world. This network enables Cogent to offer large bandwidth connections at highly competitive prices. Cogent also offers superior customer support by virtue of its end-to-end control of service delivery and network monitoring.

Job Summary

The Telecommunications Field Technician is responsible for all network field operations, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting within the assigned area. This role ensures high network availability, seamless customer circuit turn-ups, and precise documentation across data centers, POPs, hubs, and customer locations. The ideal candidate brings strong hands‑on experience with optical and wave transport, IP networks, and field test equipment, along with a self‑driven approach to project completion and vendor oversight.

Responsibilities

• Network Field Operations: Manage and execute all network field activities within the assigned region to maintain network health and high availability.
• Device Installation & Troubleshooting: Install, configure, and troubleshoot network equipment across data centers, Points of Presence (POPs), and hub facilities.
• Circuit Provisioning: Lead the turn‑up, testing, and activation of new customer circuits across data centers, commercial office buildings, and proprietary facilities.
• Power & Infrastructure: Work directly with both AC and DC power systems, including power distribution units, rectifiers, and battery backups.
• Long‑Haul & Transport Support: Provide technical expertise and operational support for long‑haul network deployments, fiber maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Vendor & Contractor Oversight: Direct and manage third‑party vendors and contractors performing inside‑plant (ISP) cable installations, fiber runs, and infrastructure repairs.
• Documentation & Reporting: Create, maintain, and update accurate network infrastructure and customer connectivity documentation.

Qualifications

• Work Authorization & Residency: Must be a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen legally authorized to work in Canada. Must maintain a primary residence within 60 minutes of the assigned service area/market to support SLA response times.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience working on telecommunications networks, including direct field experience with DWDM and/or IP networks.
• Test Equipment: Hands‑on experience operating and interpreting results from standard telecom test gear: Optical Power Meters (OPM/OLS), OTDR, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA), and Ethernet/IP test sets.
• Technical Knowledge: Solid understanding of telecommunications infrastructure, fiber optics, CWDM, DWDM, and AC/DC power environments.
• Troubleshooting: Exceptional problem‑solving skills with a proven track record of resolving complex optical and transport network issues.
• Interpersonal & Drive: High‑energy, proactive individual with strong communication skills, capable of collaborating effectively, motivating peers, and driving projects to completion.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% within the assigned region.

Preferred Qualifications

• Data Center Operations: Hands‑on experience working in data center facilities.
• Fiber Network Maintenance: Direct experience maintaining and repairing outside plant (OSP) or inside plant (ISP) fiber networks.
• Project Management: Background in managing field deployment projects, scheduling, or leading task force teams.

Cogent Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.