Fiber Optic Trade Manager

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 4,597,000 - 8,129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Health Coverage

Retirement Choice

Generous Paid Time Off

Dental & Vision

Job summary

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a Fiber Optic Trade Manager to lead public-private fiber projects within UDOT ROW. You will oversee the full project life cycle from planning to final implementation, coordinating with design engineers, contractors, and splicing technicians to expand infrastructure in compliance with safety standards.

Ideal candidates bring GIS expertise, OSP construction experience, and strong regulatory knowledge, plus the ability to manage multi‑million

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering/Business plus 4+ years of related experience.
• Note: directly related professional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• CAD/ GIS software proficiency is preferred (ESRI ArcGIS, Bentley OpenComms).

Responsibilities

• Oversee public-private fiber projects for ROW compliance and UDOT standards.
• Coordinate with design engineers, permitting, civil construction contractors, and splicing technicians.
• Maintain fiber trade databases and publish layers to the UPLAN platform.
• Negotiate MOUs and manage telecom partner activities while coordinating with project managers.
• Ensure NEPA compliance and ROW authorizations for maintenance and procurement projects.

Skills

Geospatial GIS

OSP construction

Project management

Regulatory know-how

Financial oversight

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering/Business

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS

Bentley OpenComms

AutoCAD / MicroStation

Job description

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking an innovative, highly motivated leader with strong technical expertise and strategic communication skills to serve as our Fiber Optic Trade Manager.

About The Role

In this role, you will oversee public-private partnership initiatives for fiber optic infrastructure within UDOT right-of-way (ROW). You will manage projects through the entire life cycle—from initial planning, engineering design, and permitting to construction and final implementation. Serving as a key liaison, you will coordinate with cross-functional teams of design engineers, permitting specialists, civil construction contractors, and splicing technicians. Your primary objective is to facilitate telecommunication agreements and infrastructure expansion in strict compliance with state safety requirements and engineering standards.

Position Information

• Salary Range: $33.37 - $59.01
• FT/PT Status: Full Time
• Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location: Traffic Operations Center, 2060 South 2760 West, Salt Lake
• Application Deadline: 09/29/202

Key Responsibilities

• Project Oversight & Construction Management: Monitor public-private trade projects to verify compliance with UDOT standards, provide on-site direction, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Geospatial & Fiber Database Administration: Update and maintain fiber trade databases, including specialized mapping systems (Bentley OpenComms and ESRI/ArcGIS), and assist in publishing fiber trade layers to the UPLAN platform.
• Contractor & Design Coordination: Consult with contractors and engineers to evaluate design options, address technical inquiries, and facilitate device configurations.
• Public-Private Infrastructure Support: Troubleshoot cross-connections, perform inspections, manage telecom partner activities, and maintain trade website data.
• Environmental & Right-of-Way Compliance: Guide private and public partners through National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, verify environmental clearances, and ensure proper ROW authorization for maintenance and procurement projects.
• Inter-Agency & Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Assist in drafting and negotiating Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between entities, while coordinating with UDOT Regions and Project Managers for permitting and public notification.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related quantitative field, PLUS at least four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of these fields.

Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 8 years of total related experience if no degree is held).

Preferred Qualifications

Our ideal candidate is someone who possess:

• Proficiency in CAD drafting software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
• Extensive experience managing Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optic construction or large-scale telecommunications infrastructure projects.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Geospatial Expertise: Practical command of GIS concepts and tools, specifically ESRI/ArcGIS platforms.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of OSP construction methodologies (e.g., directional boring, micro-trenching), utility locating, fiber splicing technology, and engineering blueprint/KMZ interpretation.
• End-to-End Project Execution: Ability to track and manage project phases across Engineering/Design, Permitting/ROW, Civil Construction, Splicing/Testing, and As-Built Documentation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Proven track record interfacing with local municipalities and regional permit offices to secure excavation, environmental, and make-ready approvals.
• Financial Oversight: Ability to manage multi-million-dollar infrastructure budgets, evaluate design changes, and mitigate cost overruns.
• Risk & Conflict Management: Proactive problem-solving skills to resolve unexpected field challenges and streamline contractor operations.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation.

Benefits At a Glance

• Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].