Drop Crew Technician

Planet-Networks; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Health insurance

401K match

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Planet Networks in New Jersey is seeking a dependable Drop Crew Technician to support fiber optic installations. This hands-on role involves burying drop cables, terminating connections, and ensuring readiness for customer installs.

You will work outdoors in varying weather, perform routine equipment checks, and coordinate with project teams to keep work moving smoothly. Previous burial/termination experience and a safety-focused mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience on a fiber optic drop crew.
• Ability to terminate fiber optic cables.
• Aerial/bucket experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction/engineering plans.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift and handle equipment up to 90 lbs, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot site-specific challenges such as equipment issues, rocky soil or unexpected obstacles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Installation: Bury drop cables using a Vermeer PTX42, boring missile, or by hand trenching. Terminate the cable inside of a mounted enclosure and perform light tests to ensure customer is ready for install.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform daily inspections, preventive maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs to keep equipment in optimal condition.
• Material handling and site preparation: Assist with conduit, fiber optic cable, underground vaults, pedestals, potholing and site restoration.
• Locating: Employ utility locators to ensure the build path is clear of unmarked lines. Also scan entire site for sprinklers, dog fences, drainage lines, etc.
• Safety compliance: Adhere to OSHA standards, company policies, and industry regulations; participate in safety meetings and consistently use PPE.
• Communication and reporting: Coordinate with project management, crews, and clients. Document daily activities, equipment status, and project progress.

Skills

Fiber optic drop

Terminate fiber cables

Aerial/bucket experience

Read construction plans

Outdoor weather work

Heavy lifting 90 lbs

Troubleshoot site challenges

Strong communication skills

Job description

About Us

Planet Networks is filled with humble, life-long learners who are eager to help one another, and the company succeed. We lead with curiosity and aim for the highest, never shying away from taking calculated risks and embracing ambiguity as it comes. Here, the opportunities are limitless for those who dare to pursue bold ideas that exist just beyond the boundary of possibility.

Job Description

We are seeking hardworking and dependable Drop Crew Technicians to support our fiber optic installations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical outdoor work, are eager to learn new skills, and want to be part of a growing industry. A Drop Crew Tech is responsible for completing the burial of underground fiber optic drop cables in preparation for customer installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Installation: Bury drop cables using a Vermeer PTX42, boring missile, or by hand trenching. Terminate the cable inside of a mounted enclosure and perform light tests to ensure customer is ready for install.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform daily inspections, preventive maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs to keep equipment in optimal condition.
• Material handling and site preparation: Assist with conduit, fiber optic cable, underground vaults, pedestals, potholing and site restoration.
• Locating: Employ utility locators to ensure the build path is clear of unmarked lines. Also scan entire site for sprinklers, dog fences, drainage lines, etc.
• Safety compliance: Adhere to OSHA standards, company policies, and industry regulations; participate in safety meetings and consistently use PPE.
• Communication and reporting: Coordinate with project management, crews, and clients. Document daily activities, equipment status, and project progress.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience on a fiber optic drop crew.
• Ability to terminate fiber optic cables.
• Aerial/bucket experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction/engineering plans.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift and handle equipment up to 90 lbs, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot site-specific challenges such as equipment issues, rocky soil or unexpected obstacles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Benefits Include

• Competitive Pay
• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (401K) with company match
• Paid Holidays & Vacation (PTO)

We offer hands-on training, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to build valuable skills in the telecommunications industry. If you are eager to learn, enjoy physical work, and want to grow with a supportive team, we encourage you to apply.

Work Location: In person

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.