Fiber Optic Lineman

Planet Networks; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Networks is seeking a Fiber Optic Lineman to serve as the lead field technician and on-site supervisor for aerial fiber construction crews. This role oversees day-to-day operations on the job site, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while mentoring new crew members.

The senior field role requires proficiency in Groundhand duties and leadership to the team. Ideal candidates will have 3+ years of aerial fiber linework experience, Pole climbing ability, and strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in aerial fiber optic or telecommunications linework.
• Proven ability to climb utility poles using hooks, belts, and fall protection systems.
• Skilled in use of lashers, strand blocks, rollers, tensioners, and aerial tools.
• Strong understanding of aerial construction prints and OSP standards.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in a crew environment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and work safely in all weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small aerial construction crew (typically 2–4 team members).
• Ensure proper use of PPE by all personnel on site and verify compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, identify potential hazards, and enforce corrective actions immediately.
• Manage and resolve crew issues or conflicts on-site before escalating to the Linecrew Supervisor when necessary.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and productive team environment focused on safety and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Pole climbing

Safety awareness

Job description

Position Summary

The Fiber Optic Lineman serves as the lead field technician and on-site supervisor for aerial fiber construction crews. This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations on the job site, including aerial cable installation, traffic control, crew safety, and job quality. The Lineman ensures all work is performed according to company, client, and regulatory standards while maintaining a strong focus on leadership, safety, and efficiency. As the senior field role in aerial operations, the Lineman is expected to demonstrate full proficiency in all Groundhand-level duties and to train and mentor new crew members in those same skills.

Key Responsibilities

Aerial Construction

• Install, lash, and maintain strand and fiber optic cable on utility poles.
• Set anchors, guy wires, and down guys as required by design or construction prints.
• Perform over-lashing, new build, and maintenance work safely around existing plant.
• Identify and correct low-hanging, damaged, or non-compliant aerial spans.

Leadership & Crew Oversight

• Lead and manage a small aerial construction crew (typically 2–4 team members).
• Ensure proper use of PPE by all personnel on site and verify compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, identify potential hazards, and enforce corrective actions immediately.
• Manage and resolve crew issues or conflicts on-site before escalating to the Linecrew Supervisor when necessary.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and productive team environment focused on safety and quality.

Technical & Mapping

• Read and interpret construction prints, maps, and splice diagrams accurately.
• Identify poles, spans, and attachment points per engineering design.
• Maintain accurate field documentation of completed work, materials used, and any deviations.

Field Operations

• Coordinate daily operations with the Linecrew Supervisor to ensure project milestones are met.
• Communicate effectively with groundhands, splicers, and any other OSP units.
• Assist in traffic control setup, equipment staging, and job site cleanup.
• Conduct vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure readiness and safety compliance.

Groundhand Core Competencies (Foundational Skills)

Lineman are expected to retain and demonstrate mastery of all Groundhand-level duties, including:

• Setting up and maintaining traffic control zones in accordance with DOT and company standards.
• Flagging vehicular traffic and placing cones, signs, and barriers properly.
• Operating company vehicles (bucket trucks, pickups, and trailers) safely.
• Loading, unloading, and distributing strand, fiber, and hardware to aerial crews.
• Maintaining organized staging areas, tools, and equipment.
• Assisting with pulling, tensioning, and lasher operations from the ground.
• Ensuring clean, safe, and efficient job site conditions at all times.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in aerial fiber optic or telecommunications linework.
• Proven ability to climb utility poles using hooks, belts, and fall protection systems.
• Skilled in use of lashers, strand blocks, rollers, tensioners, and aerial tools.
• Strong understanding of aerial construction prints and OSP standards.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in a crew environment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and work safely in all weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

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.