Field Construction Manager

Clearwave; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lucrative short-term bonus plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage –

Life insurance (employee, spouse, and

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Clearwave Fiber is seeking a Field Construction Manager to lead field execution of our fiber network projects across aerial, underground, and buried plant. The role partners with Design, Project Management, Construction, Splicing, and Locate contractors to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with high safety and quality standards.

You will own field execution, monitor contractor performance, and develop the team while turning designs into revenue-producing fiber.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience in telecommunications OSP construction, installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of fiber construction methods and outside plant infrastructure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to navigate HES systems for tracking service orders, trouble tickets, and facility records.
• Working knowledge of RUS and NEC codes applicable to OSP construction.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within assigned markets.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree; prior team lead experience; experience managing multiple contractors; strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee installation of outside plant (OSP) fiber facilities, including aerial, underground, and buried plant.
• Coordinate daily field activities with Project Managers, construction contractors, splicing teams, and locate vendors.
• Ensure construction and splicing activities are completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
• Review and distribute splicing diagrams and construction packages to contractors across all platforms.
• Assist contractors with complex builds, design clarifications, and field-based issue resolution.

Skills

Field leadership

Contractor management

Safety compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

HES systems

Job description

Description

The Field Construction Manager is responsible for leading and executing the on-time, on-budget construction of Clearwave Fiber’s outside plant (OSP) fiber network. This role partners closely with Design, Project Management, Construction, Splicing, and Locate contractors to ensure safe, high-quality, and compliant construction across all fiber platforms.

This is a hands-on leadership role that owns field execution, contractor performance, quality control, and team development—turning designs into live, revenue-producing fiber.

Key Responsibilities

Construction & Field Execution

• Direct and oversee installation of outside plant (OSP) fiber facilities, including aerial, underground, and buried plant.
• Coordinate daily field activities with Project Managers, construction contractors, splicing teams, and locate vendors.
• Ensure construction and splicing activities are completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
• Review and distribute splicing diagrams and construction packages to contractors across all platforms.
• Assist contractors with complex builds, design clarifications, and field-based issue resolution.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Own safety oversight for all field construction activities; ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform quality control inspections across all plant types and construction methods.
• Ensure adherence to applicable RUS and NEC codes related to outside plant construction and maintenance.
• Identify construction defects, root causes, and corrective actions to prevent repeat issues.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop Construction Engineers, Construction Leaders, Construction Assistants, and assigned contractors.
• Conduct skills assessments and identify training needs to improve team capability and performance.
• Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and motivate teams to exceed performance goals.
• Recommend and initiate personnel actions including promotions, disciplinary actions, and pay adjustments, as appropriate.
• Complete timely performance evaluations using measurable, objective criteria.
• Ensure onboarding, training, and ongoing development plans are in place for all direct reports.

Operational Improvement & Reporting

• Evaluate new OSP products, construction methods, and designs for potential implementation.
• Track field progress, quality metrics, safety incidents, and contractor performance.
• Provide weekly status reports to the Director, including risks, issues, and mitigation plans.
• Perform additional duties as required to support effective department and company operations.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience in telecommunications OSP construction, installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of fiber construction methods and outside plant infrastructure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to navigate HES systems for tracking service orders, trouble tickets, and facility records.
• Working knowledge of RUS and NEC codes applicable to OSP construction.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within assigned markets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior team lead or supervisory experience in OSP construction and maintenance.
• Experience managing multiple contractors and field crews simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make field-based decisions quickly.
• Bachelor's degree.

Why Clearwave Fiber

Clearwave Fiber recognizes the impact our field leaders have on our success and offers a competitive total rewards package, including:

• Lucrative short-term bonus plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage – starting day one
• Life insurance (employee, spouse, and children)
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4% (vesting and matching start upon hire)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Clearwave Fiber services (when living in a service area)
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment

Pre-hire Assurance:

Rest assured, Clearwave Fiber prioritizes the safety and security of our associates and customers. Job offers are contingent upon successful background checks, drug screenings, and reference checks. Once cleared, embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career journey with us.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Clearwave Fiber is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.