Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing an eligible list for Network Construction Technician which will be used to fill vacancies for one year.
Network Construction Technicians are responsible for the construction, installation, activation, inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance of aerial and underground Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) telecommunications systems. Incumbents perform highly skilled journey-level telecommunications construction and maintenance work to ensure reliable system performance, compliance with engineering specifications, and adherence to all applicable construction, operational, and safety standards. Work includes the installation and maintenance of fiber optic and coaxial infrastructure, system relocations, network testing, and emergency restoration activities in both residential and commercial environments.
Employees in this classification independently perform complex technical duties associated with the operation and maintenance of broadband telecommunications infrastructure. Responsibilities include aerial and underground utility construction, fiber optic splicing and activation, network testing and certification, signal troubleshooting, and inspection of contractor-installed facilities. Work is performed in coordination with utility companies, contractors, engineers, and public agencies to ensure system integrity and uninterrupted service delivery.
Incumbents are expected to exercise sound technical judgment, interpret construction plans and utility designs, and complete assignments with minimal supervision. Positions in this classification may also serve in a lead capacity by coordinating daily work activities, scheduling projects, monitoring contractor performance, and assisting with training and work direction for assigned personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-
Construct, install, activate, maintain, repair, and upgrade aerial and underground HFC telecommunications systems in accordance with engineering specifications, construction standards, and applicable safety regulations.
-
Ensure all work activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local, state, and federal construction codes, utility standards, and departmental procedures.
-
Install, maintain, and repair coaxial and fiber optic cable systems including aerial strand, conduit systems, pedestals, vaults, cabinets, and related telecommunications infrastructure.
-
Perform aerial construction activities including pole transfers, strand placement, lashing cable, installing fiber and coaxial cable, bonding and grounding systems, and aerial splicing and activation.
-
Perform underground construction activities including trenching, directional boring, conduit placement, cable pulling, underground wire placement, and aerial-to-underground system conversions.
-
Operate and maintain construction and utility equipment associated with telecommunications infrastructure projects, including backhoes, trenchers, plows, rock saws, cable pullers, bucket trucks, and other heavy or specialized equipment.
-
Utilize hand tools, power tools, and specialized telecommunications equipment to install connectors, fittings, fasteners, splice enclosures, and communication cabling components.
-
Conduct fiber optic splicing, termination, testing, activation, and certification using industry-standard practices and testing procedures.
-
Troubleshoot and diagnose signal loss, service interruptions, network impairments, and optical transmission issues using specialized electronic and optical testing equipment.
-
Operate and interpret data from equipment including spectrum analyzers, field strength meters, digital modulation meters, sweep frequency response equipment, optical power meters, optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR), Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR), cable locators, and fusion fiber splicers.
-
Prepare and maintain detailed documentation, reports, test records, fiber loss measurements, OTDR traces, as-built drawings, inspection reports, and system performance records.
-
Inspect contractor-installed telecommunications facilities to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.
-
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, utility providers, and public agencies to facilitate construction activities, utility relocations, and right-of-way access.
-
Review and verify contract bid items, completed work quantities, and project deliverables for payment processing and project closeout.
-
Ensure proper placement and alignment of telecommunications infrastructure within public rights-of-way and private property easements while protecting existing utilities and maintaining system reliability.
-
Respond to emergency outages, damaged plant conditions, and service disruptions during normal working hours and while assigned to rotational standby or after-hours emergency response duties.
-
Maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with coworkers, contractors, utility representatives, and members of the public.
-
Perform lead duties as assigned, including coordinating work schedules, prioritizing assignments, monitoring project progress, and assisting with crew direction and training.
-
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
This position may be required to participate in rotational standby assignments and respond to emergency call-outs outside of normal working hours.Apply
All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.
Appointment is subject to references, passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.
This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $48.99- $59.55
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
