Director, OSP Construction & Field Ops

Lightpath; Plain City (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightpath is seeking a Director of OSP Construction to lead all outside plant deployment efforts, oversee field operations, and drive safety and quality across multiple markets. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on field support to ensure timely, high-quality fiber infrastructure deployment.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in OSP construction and a proven ability to manage large teams, budgets, and contractor performance while navigating permitting and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of OSP construction experience in telecom, fiber optics, or utility infrastructure.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing OSP construction teams and contractors.
• Strong hands-on experience with underground conduit systems, directional drilling, aerial fiber deployment, utility coordination, restoration and fiber placement and splicing support.
• Proven experience building and scaling large fiber networks, including long-haul, metro, and data center connectivity.
• Deep understanding of construction permitting, municipal coordination, and right-of-way requirements.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and construction safety practices.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, and vendor contracts.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, GIS mapping, and as-built documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all OSP construction operations across assigned markets.
• Manage underground, aerial, and directional boring construction programs from kickoff through completion.
• Develop and execute construction strategies to meet aggressive project schedules and customer commitments.
• Direct internal teams, inspectors, project managers, and contractors to ensure productivity, quality, and safety standards are met.
• Conduct regular field visits to inspect workmanship, troubleshoot issues, and support construction teams.
• Review and manage project budgets, production goals, and contractor billing.
• Ensure compliance with engineering designs, permits, utility requirements, and municipal regulations.
• Oversee quality assurance for conduit installation, handholes, vaults, restoration, fiber placement, and splicing readiness.
• Drive accountability across vendors and subcontractors for performance, safety, and schedule adherence.
• Coordinate with utilities, municipalities, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve escalated issues.
• Monitor production reporting, forecast risks, and implement recovery plans where needed.
• Lead damage prevention efforts and ensure all utility strikes, incidents, and safety events are properly reported and addressed.
• Mentor and develop construction managers, field inspectors, and support staff.

Skills

OSP construction

Leadership

Budget management

Safety regulations

Reading drawings/GIS

Tools

ESRI

Oracle

Netcracker

SmartSheets

Tableau

Job description

Lightpath is seeking a Director of OSP Construction to lead all outside plant deployment efforts, oversee field operations, and drive safety and quality across multiple markets. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on field support to ensure timely, high-quality fiber infrastructure deployment.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in OSP construction and a proven ability to manage large teams, budgets, and contractor performance while navigating permitting and regulatory requirements.