Utility Locate Technician / OSP TechnicianOverview
Join our dynamic telecommunications team as a Utility Locate Technician / OSP Technician and play a vital role in protecting underground fiber optic infrastructure. In this field-based position, you will be responsible for accurately locating and marking underground fiber facilities, managing right-of-way (ROW) activities, and preventing damage during excavation, construction, and maintenance projects. Your expertise will help ensure network reliability while supporting contractors, engineers, municipalities, and utility partners across multiple service areas. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy working independently, solving problems in the field, and making a direct impact on critical telecommunications infrastructure.
Duties
- Screen, prioritize, and respond to 811 utility locate requests and fiber locate tickets.
- Use industry-standard locating equipment to accurately locate and mark underground fiber optic facilities before excavation or construction activities begin.
- Interpret construction plans, utility maps, fiber route maps, engineering drawings, and schematics to identify underground telecommunications infrastructure.
- Patrol assigned fiber routes and inspect right-of-way (ROW) areas for construction conflicts, vegetation concerns, and potential risks to the network.
- Coordinate with contractors, engineers, municipalities, and property owners to facilitate safe excavation and infrastructure projects.
- Respond to planned cable intrusions (PCI), emergency fiber damage, and high-priority restoration events.
- Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting inside regeneration huts and telecommunications facilities.
- Document all locate activities, field inspections, utility markings, and maintenance work while maintaining accurate records.
- Assist with right-of-way clearing efforts by coordinating with contractors and obtaining project estimates when needed.
- Participate in meetings with city agencies, utility companies, contractors, and engineering teams regarding upcoming infrastructure projects.
- Train and mentor new OSP Technicians on locating procedures, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Support multiple territories and travel as operational needs require.
- Participate in an on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in Utility Locating, Outside Plant (OSP), Telecommunications, Fiber Construction, or Underground Utility field operations.
- Proven experience locating underground fiber optic or telecommunications infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of utility locating equipment, GPS systems, fiber maps, engineering drawings, and construction blueprints.
- Experience responding to 811 utility locate requests and working around active construction projects.
- Familiarity with right-of-way (ROW) management, underground utility protection, and damage prevention practices.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with the ability to make sound decisions in the field.
- Excellent communication skills when working with contractors, property owners, municipalities, utility companies, and engineering teams.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects across different service areas.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
- Willingness to travel and participate in an on-call schedule as needed.
#INDHP
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Experience:
- Utility locating: 3 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
