LiDAR Collection Operator / OSP Assistant Inspector

Smith; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Fibersmith is seeking a dependable LiDAR Collection Operator / OSP Assistant Inspector to support field data collection using LiDAR, GPS, and camera systems. The role involves travel to project sites and active fiber construction inspection.

You will operate equipment, log data, assist with field inspections, and help ensure field records are accurate and well organized. The position requires comfort outdoors, travel readiness, and strict adherence to safety and procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain organized records.
• Self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently while traveling.
• Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear updates.
• Professional attitude and ability to work well with project managers, technical staff, contractors, clients, vendors, and co-workers.
• Basic computer skills for file transfers, data organization, email, and cloud-based storage.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook preferred.
• Familiarity with LiDAR, GPS, GIS, surveying, mapping, fiber construction, utility construction, or related technology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor LiDAR sensors, cameras, GPS units, and related equipment.
• Validate system performance before, during, and after collection to help ensure quality and accuracy.
• Safely operate a LiDAR collection truck in varying traffic, road, and weather conditions.
• Follow assigned routes and help optimize drive time and data coverage.
• Perform routine vehicle and equipment inspections before each trip.
• Transfer, label, and organize collected LiDAR and related data according to company procedures.
• Maintain daily driving logs, equipment checks, collection records, and basic field reports.
• Communicate project progress, field conditions, data quality concerns, equipment issues, or delays to the project team.
• Assist with inspection of fiber construction activities, including aerial and underground fiber placement, splicing, and related construction work.
• Support review of construction work to help ensure it follows industry standards, construction maps, and client expectations.
• Update construction maps with field changes, additions, and materials used.
• Learn to complete construction documentation, including cup sheets, redlines, daily logs, and other project records.
• Participate in field meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project delivery.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety-minded

Independent worker

Strong communication

Willingness to travel

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Tools

LiDAR equipment

GPS units

Cameras

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

At Fibersmith, we help telecom providers bring high-speed internet to more communities through quality engineering, field support, construction oversight, and technology solutions. Accurate field data and strong construction documentation help turn network plans into real-world broadband infrastructure.

We’re looking for a dependable, detail-oriented LiDAR Collection Operator / OSP Assistant Inspector to support field data collection using specialized vehicles equipped with LiDAR, GPS, and camera systems. When LiDAR collection work is not available, this role will support active fiber construction projects as an Outside Plant Assistant Inspector.

This is not a desk job. You’ll be traveling to project locations, operating collection equipment, assisting with field inspection activities, and helping ensure both field data and construction records are accurate, organized, and useful.

Important Travel Requirement

This position requires frequent and extended travel. Work is performed primarily in the field, and applicants should expect overnight travel, possible short-notice assignments, and flexibility in schedule, including some evening or weekend travel as project needs require. Lodging and travel arrangements are provided according to company policy.

What You’ll Do

As a LiDAR Collection Operator / OSP Assistant Inspector, responsibilities may include:

• Set up, operate, and monitor LiDAR sensors, cameras, GPS units, and related equipment
• Validate system performance before, during, and after collection to help ensure quality and accuracy
• Safely operate a LiDAR collection truck in varying traffic, road, and weather conditions
• Follow assigned routes and help optimize drive time and data coverage
• Perform routine vehicle and equipment inspections before each trip
• Troubleshoot minor equipment or software issues and report larger issues to the appropriate team
• Transfer, label, and organize collected LiDAR and related data according to company procedures
• Maintain daily driving logs, equipment checks, collection records, and basic field reports
• Communicate project progress, field conditions, data quality concerns, equipment issues, or delays to the project team
• Assist with inspection of fiber construction activities, including aerial and underground fiber placement, splicing, and related construction work
• Support review of construction work to help ensure it follows industry standards, construction maps, and client expectations
• Update construction maps with field changes, additions, and materials used
• Learn to complete construction documentation, including cup sheets, redlines, daily logs, and other project records
• Participate in field meetings as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project delivery

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is reliable, safety-minded, organized, and comfortable working independently in the field for extended periods of time. You do not need to know everything on day one, but you do need to bring strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and the ability to follow procedures consistently.

Qualifications include:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain organized records
• Self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently while traveling
• Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear updates
• Professional attitude and ability to work well with project managers, technical staff, contractors, clients, vendors, and co-workers
• Basic computer skills for file transfers, data organization, email, and cloud-based storage
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook preferred
• Familiarity with LiDAR, GPS, GIS, surveying, mapping, fiber construction, utility construction, or related technology is a plus
• Prior experience in field data collection, surveying, GIS, utility work, telecommunications, construction inspection, or fiber construction is preferred
• Willingness to learn construction terminology, field practices, equipment, and fiber construction processes
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability and commitment to travel frequently and for extended periods
• Flexibility to travel on short notice and work evenings or weekends as needed
• Physical ability to drive or ride for long periods, work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions, lift and carry equipment up to 30 pounds, and climb in and out of trucks as needed

Why This Role Matters

Strong broadband projects start with strong information, and successful construction depends on accurate field oversight. In this role, you’ll help collect reliable field data, support active construction projects, and keep broadband deployment moving forward.

If you enjoy being on the road, working independently, learning field technology, being outdoors, and contributing to projects that expand broadband access, this could be a great fit.