Fiber Optic Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for preparing, splicing, testing, troubleshooting, and documenting fiber optic cable installations in data center, hyperscale, indoor, and outdoor environments. This role requires strong hands-on fiber experience, the ability to read and maintain splice schematics and project documentation, and a commitment to completing high-quality work safely and in accordance with customer, company, and industry specifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform fiber optic fusion splicing on loose tube, ribbon, and high-density fiber optic cables, including single-mode and multi-mode fiber, with cable counts ranging from 12-count through 6912-count as required by the project.
• Prepare, clean, secure, route, and organize fiber optic cables within splice enclosures, fiber pedestals, fiber panels, fiber trays, cabinets, and related data center or outside plant infrastructure.
• Perform Tier 1 certification testing using OLTS equipment and Tier 2 testing using OTDR equipment; operate visual fault locators and other standard fiber test tools as required.
• Troubleshoot, isolate, and repair fiber optic network issues, including high-loss events, broken fibers, crossed fibers, dirty connectors, and documentation discrepancies.
• Read, interpret, create, and update project drawings, splice matrices, cable schematics, engineering documents, test results, and as-built documentation.
• Coordinate with the Foreman, Project Supervisor, project management, customers, and other field personnel to support production schedules, quality expectations, and project closeout requirements.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation, production notes, splice records, test results, time records, and equipment records as required.
• Inspect tools, vehicles, test equipment, and materials before use; maintain equipment in good working condition and report deficiencies promptly.
• Follow all company, customer, site-specific, and industry safety requirements, including required safety training, PPE use, housekeeping, and hazard reporting.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project, crew, and business needs.
• Safety training as required by position.
• Paperwork filing and maintenance of all equipment and vehicles as needed.

 Essential Education and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, as determined by company policy.
• Minimum of two years of hands-on experience prepping, splicing, and testing fiber optic cable in field, indoor, data center, ISP, OSP, FTTH, FTTx, or hyperscale environments.
• Minimum of two years of hands-on experience operating OTDR, OLTS, and visual fault locator equipment.
• Working knowledge of fiber optic cable construction, color codes, connector types, splice trays, enclosures, panels, labeling, and cable management best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, splice records, cable schematics, work prints, and engineering documents.
• Ability to travel for extended project assignments, including assignments that may last several months or longer. Lodging, travel, and per diem are provided in accordance with company policy.
• Ability to communicate professionally with supervisors, crew members, customers, and other contractors.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a crew while maintaining quality, productivity, and safety expectations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• DOT Medical Card, or ability to obtain one, if required for operating certain company vehicles or equipment.
• Experience working in active data center or hyperscale environments with strict access, safety, cleanliness, and documentation requirements.
• Experience with single fusion splicing, mass fusion splicing, high-count fiber cables, and high-density panel or cabinet environments.
• Relevant fiber optic, safety, equipment, or telecommunications certifications.

 Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, crawl, etc.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to work at heights and in confined spaces
• Able to work in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat)

• Ability to distinguish fiber color codes and identify colors accurately.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits offered to eligible employees include medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance, along with Paid Time Off, paid Holidays, traditional and ROTH 401(k) options with company match, employee stock purchase plan, education assistance program, employee assistance program, training and development opportunities, Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program, and a Commercial Driver’s License obtainment program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.