Outside Plant Technician

People Technology And Processes; Fort Knox (KY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

People Technology And Processes is hiring an Outside Plant Technician in Fort Knox, KY. The role involves coordinating cable locate requests, conducting site inspections, and supporting emergency utility responses. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, utility locating experience, and relevant certifications.

This position requires knowledge of industry standards, experience with GIS software, and a valid driver's license. Join a dedicated team in a critical support role for government telecommunications infrastructure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required, technical training preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and OSHA certifications needed.
• 2+ years of utility locating and telecom inspection experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process cable locate requests.
• Conduct site inspections and locate cable paths.
• Prepare documentation for digging permits.
• Support 24/7 emergency locate requests.

Skills

Utility Locating Experience

Knowledge of Industry Standards

Ability to interpret utility maps

GPS locating equipment experience

Construction safety standards knowledge

Education

High school diploma

OSHA 10 Certification

NULCA Certification

Tools

GIS and Mapping Software

Electromagnetic locating equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Fort Knox, KY 40121

Position Title: Outside Plant Technician

Clearance Type: SECRET

Compensation: $31.79/hr.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, coordinate, and execute cable locate requests for all proposed excavation areas to identify buried or underground government telecommunications cables.
• Conduct physical site inspections and locate cable paths using contractor‑furnished GPS equipment with accuracy to within 1 meter, and mark cable paths using inverted fluorescent orange paint and/or stakes.
• Provide digital time‑stamped photographs of the marked areas and submit red‑line drawings to the Government’s CAD/GIS team upon completion.
• Accurately document all locate activity on the digging permit, return completed permits to DPW, and maintain internal file copies.
• Identify whether NEC‑owned cables are present within the area of concern and ensure compliance with government standards for cable locate response times (within 1 working day).
• Prepare and submit paperwork necessary for obtaining digging permits and environmental clearances for all excavation projects.
• Support 24/7 on‑call emergency locate requests related to utility damage or urgent infrastructure repairs, including third‑party damage and acts of God.
• Avoid digging in paved or sensitive areas; follow proper boring procedures where required.
• Ensure all open trenches or pits are properly marked and secured, using plywood covers (if possible), orange safety cones, and yellow caution tape when left overnight.

Qualifications – Education and Certifications

• High school diploma required, technical training in telecommunications, construction, or underground utility locating preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• OSHA 10 – Workplace safety.
• NULCA (National Utility Locating Contractors Association) Certification.
• CPR / First Aid Certification.
• OSHA Confined Space Entry Training.
• DOT (Department of Transportation) Flagger Certification.

Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of Industry Standards – Understanding of best practices related to underground utility locating (e.g., 811 Call Before You Dig regulations).
• 2+ Years of Utility Locating Experience – Experience with electromagnetic locating equipment (e.g., RD7100, Metrotech, Vivax).
• 2+ years of experience working in OSP cable locating, trenching, or telecom utility inspection roles.
• Experience with GIS and Mapping Software – Some employers prefer knowledge of GIS applications or mobile mapping software. Experience using GPS locating equipment, red‑lining methods, and working with GIS/CAD systems.
• Ability to accurately interpret utility maps, drawings, and field sketches.
• Familiarity with Blueprints and As‑Built Drawings – Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
• Familiarity with digging permit processes, construction safety standards, and field documentation.
• Willingness and availability to work on‑call and respond to after‑hours emergencies.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Army NEC or government telecom infrastructure.
• Knowledge of Fort Knox or other military installation OSP systems and permit processes.
• Familiarity with environmental and base‑level digging clearance protocols.
• OSHA 30‑Hour Certification, NFPA 70E, or similar safety credentials.