Fiber Technician

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative; Texarkana (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Texarkana is looking for a Fiber Technician to join their team. This role involves repairing, maintaining, and testing fiber optic cables and ensuring optimal performance of equipment. The ideal candidate will work closely with the Construction Team and assist in various projects, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. Applicants should have a high school diploma, relevant experience, and a valid CDL driver's license. The position requires physical stamina and the ability to work in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid CDL driver's license with satisfactory driving record required.
• Industry certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintain fiber optic cables and related equipment.
• Conduct fiber splicing, testing, and activation.
• Provide onsite repair and installation of optic hardware.

Skills

Team Player

Problem Solving

Communication

Prioritization

Independence

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Electronics

Tools

Fusion Splicers

OTDR

Directional Drill Machine

Bucket Trucks

Job description

Four States Fiber Internet, a subsidiary of Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation with headquarters in Texarkana, Arkansas, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of: FIBER TECHNICIAN in Texarkana, Arkansas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under close supervision, repair, maintain, test, proof or adjust as needed all fiber optic cables and related equipment in coordination with the Construction Team. Ensure maximum quality and peak performance and reliability of all fiber optic equipment. Respond to fiber damage events, perform splicing repairs of fiber optic cables, and report all information concerning damages.

• Must be able to meet attendance and punctuality requirements for this position. Must abide by all policies and procedures. Must work well with others and be a team player.
• Conduct fiber splicing, testing, and activation on small/medium construction projects such as SMB fiber lateral builds and node splits.
• Assist in designing and mapping all new subdivisions and businesses, work closely with the electric department to ensure new builds meet or exceed the construction guidelines and standards.
• Repair any problems affecting fiber or fiber related equipment.
• Assure proper alignment of the optical path between the Hub and the Node (forward and return setup) including but not limited to transmitters, receivers, monitoring equipment.
• Work from drawings and specifications; measure and record performance characteristics of outside plant with electronic equipment such as OTDR, fusion splicers and other related equipment.
• Actively and consistently support all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience.
• Operate highly specialized test and fiber optic splicing equipment.
• Provide onsite repair, installation, and servicing of optic hardware up to the fiber optic patch panel with the ability to identify and resolve performance problems onsite.
• Perform investigation and repair of cut fiber optic cables or impairments, reporting all information concerning damages to supervisor.
• Splice fiber optic cables and splice cases with a thorough knowledge of standards, materials and techniques utilizing single and mass fusion splicing equipment.
• Complete and report all splicing and testing documentation to the local design team.
• Complete certification testing of fiber optic links.
• Communicate with Project Manager, Construction Coordinator, or designated supervisor regarding concerns about construction progress.
• Adhere to industry specific local, state, and federal regulations, as applicable. Know, understand, and follow company policies.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.
• Ability to install messenger cable, anchors, equipment, and related hardware. Installation of underground cable and boxes according to proper codes and standards.
• Install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground fiber-to-the-premise system. The system includes, but is not limited to, fiber optics cable; enclosures; connectors; terminators; boxes (overhead and underground); and splicing.
• Must be available for on-call duty as assigned by the director or manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to use the following hand tools: electric drills, hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers.
• Ability to walk over all types of terrain in all kinds of weather while carrying tools and
• equipment, including gaffs, ladders, and fully loaded tool belts.
• Ability to safely use weight-bearing equipment (such as gaffs, safety harness and ladders)
• within the maximum weight limitations of that equipment.
• Ability to accurately measure distances, using tapes or other measuring devices.
• Ability to carry, climb and operate extension ladder (approx. 32 ft. high and 90 pounds)
• Ability to climb poles using gaffs, hooks and climbing belt as needed.
• Ability to differentiate between different sizes and colors of wires.
• Ability to make cable connections in tight spaces by bending, reaching, twisting.
• Ability to read general system layouts from blueprints.
• Ability to operate appropriate computer or test equipment associated with position (e.g.
• signal level meters, ohm meters, etc.)
• Ability to perform job from high places (i.e. poles and roofs)
• Ability to work while standing 50-70% of the time.
• Ability to work with small components and wires to make cable connections.
• Ability to dig in all types of soil.
• Ability to drive Company vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to operate a directional drill machine, compact track loader, mini excavator, backhoe,
• plow, and proficient in operation of bucket trucks.
• Ability to prioritize and organize effectively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to use personal computer, mobile device, and software applications.
• Basic knowledge of traditional fiber architectures.
• Basic knowledge of Course and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM/DWDM)
• Knowledge of fiber optic systems, RF plant, and test equipment.
• Knowledge of company products and services.
• Knowledge of National Electric Code and National Electrical Safety Code Required
• Climbs poles as needed in the normal performance of duties.
• Proficient in operation of bucket trucks.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience required.
• Associate degree in electronics or related field preferred.
• Industry and vendor specific certifications and training (NCTI, SCTE, and BCT/E) preferred.
• Coursework completion: NCTI - Fiber Installation and Activation and Fiber Testing and
• Maintenance and/or SCTE preferred.
• Maintenance Technology Level 2, Networking Testing and Maintenance Level 2 and Optical
• Fiber Construction.
• Valid CDL driver's license with satisfactory driving record required.
• Maintenance Tech or equivalent work experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Office and field environment
• Work indoors in confined space, poorly ventilated areas such as attics, basements,
• crawlspaces and/or manholes
• Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, insects, rodents, pets or pests, and cleaning solutions.
• Work outdoors in all kinds of weather and at all times of the day or night.
• Work performed near power lines and electricity.
• Work performed at various heights above ground on telephone/power poles.
• Work in commercial or factory type environments
• Work and travel in inclement weather
• May be required to work an on-call rotation as the business needs dictate.
• Occasionally required to work overtime as the business needs dictate.
• Ability to work weekends or a second shift as the business needs dictate.

Applications must be received by May 19, 2025. The application may be submitted in person at 2904 E 9th Street, Texarkana, AR or by email to [e-mail] . The application is available at www.swrea.com .

Interview is by invitation only. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status or other legally protected status

Power outages can be reported by visiting the Outage Center.