Lead Long Haul Fiber Technician

Zayo Group

. Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber route protection, utility locating, damage prevention, and network troubleshooting .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $32 - $50 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in fiber route protection, utility locating, and advanced fiber testing methodologies, while effectively mentoring technicians and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure network reliability and safety compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fiber Route ProtectionUtility LocatingAdvanced Fiber TestingDamage PreventionTechnical Guidance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

OTDR TestingOptical Power Meter Usage10G–100G Test SetsLayer 1–Layer 4 TestingFault IsolationRoot-Cause AnalysisField Troubleshooting ProceduresGPS UtilizationInfrastructure Risk MitigationLocate Audits

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationProblem-SolvingDocumentation SkillsOrganizational SkillsMentoring

Tools & Technologies

GPSConstruction DrawingsTesting MethodologiesTechnical DocumentationField Validation Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Safety CertificationsTechnical Certifications

Industry Keywords

TelecommunicationsFiber OpticsUnderground ConstructionField OperationsOSHA Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber route protection, utility locating, damage prevention, and network troubleshooting
Perform advanced fiber testing, fault isolation, and troubleshooting using OTDRs, optical power meters, 10G–100G test sets, and Layer 1–Layer 4 testing methodologies
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing to field technicians
Assess complex field issues, determine escalation requirements, and coordinate resolution of network risks and service disruptions
Develop standardized field troubleshooting procedures, testing methodologies, and technical documentation
Identify recurring technical issues and recommend corrective actions to improve network reliability and reduce repeat dispatches
Mentor newly hired and developing technicians through hands-on training and skill development
Lead proactive patrols and infrastructure inspections for construction activity, excavation, environmental hazards, and potential third-party damage
Prioritize patrols based on route criticality, historical damage, construction activity, and identified risks
Apply utility locating techniques, GPS, route maps, and construction drawings to identify potential conflicts and protect underground infrastructure
Coordinate with contractors, utility owners, and construction crews on preventive measures and infrastructure risk mitigation
Conduct advanced locate audits and field validations to identify missing laterals, inaccurate markings, and discrepancies between physical infrastructure and network records
Partner with locate vendors, Damage Prevention, GIS, Engineering, and OSP to resolve facility identification and locate discrepancies
Lead field assessments of suspected or confirmed damage, documenting site conditions, GPS coordinates, photographs, and technical findings
Partner with Network Operations, Engineering, Construction, and Field Operations on fault isolation, restoration, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions
Maintain operational records, equipment readiness, and compliance with OSHA requirements, safety policies, and established procedures
Document and communicate field observations, test results, damage locations, and restoration progress
Participate in post-incident reviews and support emergency restoration plans for critical long-haul routes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight or more years of relevant telecommunications, fiber optics, utility locating, underground construction, or field operations experience preferred
Advanced knowledge of fiber infrastructure, long-haul route protection, utility locating, and construction-related damage prevention
Experience with fiber testing equipment, including OTDRs, optical power meters, and applicable 10G–100G test sets, with working knowledge of Layer 1–Layer 4 testing
Ability to independently assess field risks, troubleshoot complex issues, interpret infrastructure records, and drive resolution
Experience coordinating with contractors, utility owners, and technical teams, including incident investigation and root-cause analysis
Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical guidance without direct supervisory responsibility
Strong communication, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills
Relevant safety or technical certifications preferred
Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, travel throughout assigned territories, respond to urgent field needs, and meet company driving requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required
Technical training or relevant certifications preferred
Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, such as OPT, TN, H1B or any other type of work visa, now or in the future

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Life insurance
Disability retirement plans
Paid time off
Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave
Discretionary annual incentive plan eligibility for non-sales roles