Field Technician Associate

The University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement matching (2:1)

Paid vacation, sick time, holidays

Job summary

Merit Network is hiring a Field Technician Associate to support Outside Plant operations including installation, maintenance, and QA across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. You will work with the OSP team and coordinate with contractors and vendors, with on-call duties and travel required.

The role is full-time and hybrid, with a 60–65k starting range and 2–3 days on-site in the initial probation period. Applicants should be comfortable outdoors and driving company vehicles.

Qualifications

• Interest in the telecommunications industry and fiber optic infrastructure.
• Proficiency with standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and environments; on-call duties may be required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, update, and audit OSP underground and aerial records using maps, as-builts, test gear, and software tools.
• Perform field installations, basic fiber splicing, and routine maintenance of outside plant infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot fiber circuits using diagnostic equipment and assist in network fault resolution.
• Safely operate Merit vehicles to transport tools and materials to field sites.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to support design, upgrades, and repairs.

Skills

Telecom interest

Fiber optic

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Customer service

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand and power tools

Job description

At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

As a Field Technician Associate, you will report to the Outside Plant Director and work under general supervision of more senior OSP staff to plan and conduct OSP assignments. In this role you will support outside plant operations, including maintenance, construction and ongoing quality assurance. You will provide support to senior engineering staff as well as with a variety of teams within Merit and outside teams including contractors, subcontractors and vendors.

The work is in diverse environments, both indoors and outdoors, to aid in solving problems and aid in implementing, maintaining, and expanding the outside plant infrastructure. You will primarily work with the Merit Outside Plant (OSP) team, and will also support Technology Operations, and must be available 24x7 when On Call. You will also interact with the 24x7 Merit Support Center teams, in order to coordinate OSP activities, administrative requirements, material handling, etc. To be successful, you should have introductory outside plant and inside plant skills; planning, organization, execution, and troubleshooting skills are a desired skill set. On-call duties and overtime will be required on an as needed basis.

This position requires regular travel in support of the fiber network within Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E):

Operational Support & Field Activities (70%)

• Interpret, identify, update, and audit OSP underground and aerial telecommunication plant records using maps, as-builts, test gear, and software tools with sufficient clarity and detail. (E)
• Perform field installations, basic fiber splicing, and routine maintenance of outside plant infrastructure. (E)
• Utilize industry-standard diagnostic equipment (e.g., ODTR, power meters, and visual fault identifiers) to assist in troubleshooting fiber circuits. (E)
• Safely operate Merit vehicles (including full-size vans and trucks) to transport tools, equipment, and materials to field work sites. (E)
• Manage assigned ticketing queues, providing frequent, detailed updates and clear documentation.
• Deliver customer-focused service to Merit members, external stakeholders, and internal teams through prompt and professional technical resolution.

Cross-Functional & Project Work (20%)

• Coordinate Outside Plant and Inside Plant activities with Network Operations and Engineering to support design additions, upgrades, repairs, and network enhancements.
• Effectively communicate project needs, site requirements, and supporting information with team members, construction crews, utility representatives, county and state authorities
• Support asset tracking, inventory management, and material handling in storage facilities and field spaces.

Professional Development (10%)

• Assist in establishing group knowledge bases and participate in technical cross-training across departments.
• Attend professional development opportunities to build advanced fiber optic, outside plant, and networking skills.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This job requires working outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions in addition to operating in a professional office environment. This role also routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software and equipment.

Work Attire

This role requires wearing common personal protective and/or other safety equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Move items weighing up to 50 pounds as a regular part of duties. Employees are encouraged to ask for support when needed.
• Pack and move the equipment required for field work to and from the storage space, field workspace, and/or transportation vehicle(s).
• Assess and gather data from equipment and devices located in various environments, including those inside and outside buildings, located just below ground (such as hand-hole) or up to 20 feet from the ground, or located in areas that do not have easy vehicle access.
• Must be comfortable driving full size vans and trucks. Handling large vehicles safely is an expectation of the role.
• Work at a computer station, answering telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client/vendor communication.

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire
• Be able to legally and safely operate a University of Michigan-leased motor vehicle; a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history for operating vehicles on University of Michigan/Merit Network business is required (the successful completion of a pre-employment Motor Vehicle Record check is required before an offer can be made)
• Demonstrated interest in the telecommunications industry and with fiber optic infrastructure
• Proficiency with standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email, shared calendars, etc.)
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions, remote terrains, and flexible work schedules, including on-call duties as required
• Familiarity with common hand and power tools (e.g., screwdrivers, drills, pliers)
• Work well within a team environment and also have the ability to work independently
• Strong customer service background and demonstrated organizational skills.

Must be attentive to detail, organized, able to and exhibit self-motivation.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.

Modes of Work

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am ? 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location:

880 Technology Dr., Suite B

Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided.

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Travel

Regular local, state-wide, and occasional nation-wide travel in support of the fiber network within Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota is required.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $60,000-$65,000 , depending on experience and credentials.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career

If you have any other questions regarding this role, please contact [e-mail].

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.