Telecom Field Operations Fiber Technician

Telecom Field Operations Fiber TechnicianThe Telecom Field Operations Fiber Technician is responsible for project and operational support of Southern Company's outside plant (OSP) and campus fiber infrastructure. This role supports critical optical transport systems, including DWDM, GPON, MPLS, SEL-ICON, and SCADA networks. Work is performed in accordance with established standards, service-level expectations, operational procedures, and applicable work agreements to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality service delivery.Education & Experience:A two-year advanced education degree (college/technical/vocational certification) in a technology field, telecommunications field, equivalent military training, or 5 years equivalent hands-on experience in a technology or a fiber optic field is required.Fundamental understanding of various types of fiber optic cable, installation practices, installation materials, and testing equipment.Fundamental understanding of various optical network topologies, e.g., general telecommunications, DWDM, GPON, MPLS, SEL-ICON and SCADA and how they operate.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license is preferred.General Competencies:Maintain a "safety first" mindset and foster a positive safety cultureExhibit Southern Company's Core Values (Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment)Work independently with minimal supervision, be a self-starter, and demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills.Collaborate and coordinate contractors and/or vendors associated with the Field Operation function as appropriate.Work with internal business partners, vendors, contractors, and other Technology Organization (TO) groups related to projects and operational support.Understand and adhere to all Southern Company billing and performance processes and procedures.Maintain accurate documentation and equipment inventories for assigned jobs.Ability to work extended hours during emergency restoration.Technical CompetenciesResponsible for the project and operational support of Southern Company's outside plant (OSP) fiber, campus fiber, and optical transport networksAbility to logically troubleshoot and repair fiber optic infrastructure along with all associated peripheral hardware (line hardware, distribution panels, splice enclosures, patch cables, etc.)Proficient in single/ribbon splicing and terminating single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cablesProficient in reading, testing, and documenting using an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)Fundamental understanding of CD (Chromatic Dispersion) and PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion) and bi-directional fiber optic testing is preferredExperience with Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fiber cable of various types. (e.g., stainless steel tube, tight buffer tube, star, etc.) is preferredExperience with All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) and other aerial fiber optic cablesExperience documenting fiber optic route information (traces, power levels, splice points, etc.)Experience installing and maintaining ancillary equipment (alarm systems, DC/AC power systems, etc.) is preferredGeneral Requirements:Annual Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examValid US drivers licenseAbility to tow a trailer up to 10,000 lbsAbility to drive long distances, walk on uneven surfaces, climb ladders, work at heights of 50 feet or less, and carry at least 50 lbs.Support fiber infrastructure across the state of Georgia, requiring regular overnight travel24x7 365 "on-call" support