Power - Communications & Splicing Tech

City of Idaho Falls; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 51,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Idaho Falls is hiring a Communications and Splicing Technician for Idaho Falls Power to install, operate, and maintain the city’s fiber optic and communication networks. The role involves splicing, testing with OTDR equipment, and integration with computer networks and security systems.

You will work under supervision to support critical city services, contributing to the reliability of utilities communications and data networks across field and office environments.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school with 2 years of specialized training or an associate degree in electronics or related field.
• Two years of experience as a Network Technician or fiber optic specialist or equivalent.
• Knowledge of fusion splicing and fiber optic installation/maintenance.
• Familiarity with fiber optic testing equipment like OTDR and power meters.
• Ability to work with Windows OS, Office suite, and fiber management software.

Responsibilities

• Install, operate and maintain fiber optic networks and related equipment including splicing and termination of fibers.
• Use OTDR, Fusion Splicer, light source and power meters for testing and troubleshooting.
• Operate and maintain computer networks and devices (ONTs, routers, switches, cameras).
• Update splice documents and maintain fiber optic GIS databases.
• Collaborate with other staff to troubleshoot and repair network systems.

Skills

Fiber optics

Fusion splicing

OTDR testing

Network troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree in electronics / computer networking

Tools

OTDR

Fusion Splicer

ArcView/ArcInfo

Enghouse fiber management

Job description

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community. It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

Job Description:

General Purpose The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Communications and Splicing Technician for Idaho Falls Power. This position performs a variety of highly skilled technical tasks related to implementation, construction, installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the Idaho Falls Fiber's optic network and general communication networks that are used for the day-to-day operation for the City of Idaho Falls.

SUPERVISION

Received: Works under general supervision of the Broadband System Network Administrator and the Communications Foreman.

Exercised: None.

Essential Functions

• Facilitates resolution of issues related to fiber system; coordinates inside and outside plant system solutions.
• Install, operate and maintain fiber optic networks and associated equipment to include: installation, splicing and termination of fiber optic strands/cables.
• Utilize test equipment for troubleshooting, testing, and maintenance such as an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), Fusion Splicer, light source and power meters.
• Install, operate and maintain defined computer networks and associated equipment such as: ONT’s, computers, routers, firewalls, IP switches, IP security cameras, and wireless network equipment.
• Install, test and utilize a variety of software packages including: Windows Operating Systems, Arc View, Arc Info, Enghouse fiber management software, Microsoft operating programs (i.e.: Word, Excel, Outlook), as well as database tools.
• Trains and assists other Idaho Falls Fiber Personnel to use the same; maintains and updates splice documents.
• Maintain fiber optic GIS database using fiber management software.
• Maintains necessary information and documentation of assigned projects and tasks, appropriate records for parts, labor and other materials used according to job or project.
• Outside Plant: Performs technical construction, operation and maintenance of the Fiber Optic Network and associated systems and networks.
• Performs aerial construction which includes installation of fiber optic cable, messenger, fiber optic enclosure and storage loop.
• Performs underground construction includes trenching, conduit installation, vault placement and cable pulling.
• Operates and maintains the fiber optic network and associated equipment to include installation, splicing and connecting fiber optic strands/cables.
• Troubleshoot, test and maintain fiber optic cables utilizing test equipment such as Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), Fusion Splicer, light source and power meters.
• Works collaboratively with other department staff to troubleshoot, repair and maintain all network communication systems.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience: A. Graduation from high school; plus, two (2) years of specialized training or an associate degree directly related to electronics, computer science, computer networking or related field; AND B. Two (2) years experience as a Network Technician, fiber optic specialist, or related field; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Fusion splicing and various fiber optic installation, maintenance and management operations; operation of light source and power meter devices; hazards associated with electronic equipment and devices; precautions necessary to insure safety of employee, equipment and the public; practices and procedures related to installation, maintenance and repair of SCADA, RTU, and other computer or network related equipment; terminology and nomenclature of the fiber optic field; fiber optic theory; principles, practices and trends in optics metering, maintenance, installation, and related work; safety regulations and work rules as they relate to the installation and repair of fiber optics and other related equipment; terminology of nomenclature of electrical field. Skill in the use of computer and various specialized software applications. Proficient in the use of technical tools essential to installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic equipment. Ability to work independently with very little supervision on completing or directing the completion of critical tasks; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, fellow employees, and the public; work in an environment where exposure to all weather conditions, would be expected in performance of job duties; work independently with very little supervision in completing or directing the completion of critical tasks; ability to complete precision work with small wires and discern coloring of small strands of fiber optic cable. Ability to accurately track and record work time to appropriate jobs.
3. Special Qualifications: Must be or become CompTIA Network + Certified or equivalent Network Training. Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho Class "A" CDL or obtain within six months of employment. May work under on-call situations which will require working outside normal business hours. Must, within six (6) months of hire, live within 25 miles of Idaho Falls Power headquarters. Must be able to pass and maintain “fit for duty” physical requirements that are defined for this position. Must pass pre-employment drug test.
4. Work Environment: This position performs duties either in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls or in the field based on areas of assignment, or both as may be required. Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching and lifting. May be required to perform arduous physical labor; bend, stoop, kneel and carry heavy loads of 75 lbs or more. Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Regular local travel required in normal course of job performance. Regular exposure to changing weather conditions and hazards common to electrical system.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed with or without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range

$37.23 - $51.47

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage.
• You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI.
• PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.

Join a team that’s shaping one of the best places to live and work in the country. As the largest city in eastern Idaho—and consistently recognized for job growth and livability—the City of Idaho Falls offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Our employees enjoy meaningful public service careers across 11 departments, including parks and recreation, utilities, public safety, and more. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and retirement through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). With a strong community spirit, beautiful natural surroundings, and year-round recreational and cultural activities, Idaho Falls is more than a workplace—it’s a place to grow, thrive, and make a difference.