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Network Construction Technician

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.

• An equivalent combination to:
• Graduation from high school supplemented by a minimum of three years telecommunications construction experience within the last five years.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain a Class "A" Commercial Driver License prior to completion of probation and maintain thereafter.
• Obtain a valid First Aid/ CPR card and Washington State Flagging card before completion of probation and maintain thereafter.
• Complete Fiber Optics 1-2-3 training and obtain Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) certification within 12 months of hire with maintenance thereafter.
Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• Aerial and underground telecommunications plant design, construction methods, and maintenance practices.
• Fiber optic and coaxial cable systems, splicing techniques, activation procedures, and network certification methods.
• Telecommunications construction standards, specifications, blueprints, and utility plans.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and safety procedures related to utility construction and telecommunications systems.
• Utility locating practices, right-of-way requirements, and underground service protection procedures.
• Construction equipment operation, maintenance, and safe work practices.
• Recordkeeping methods, reporting procedures, and technical documentation practices.
• Industry-standard testing equipment and diagnostic procedures used in HFC and fiber optic systems.

Skill in:

• Performing aerial and underground telecommunications construction and maintenance activities.
• Installing, splicing, testing, activating, and troubleshooting fiber optic and coaxial communication systems.
• Operating heavy construction equipment and specialized telecommunications testing devices safely and effectively.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, utility maps, construction specifications, and technical diagrams.
• Using hand tools, power tools, and electronic test equipment with precision and accuracy.
• Coordinating projects and communicating effectively with contractors, utilities, and internal staff.

Ability to:

• Independently plan, organize, prioritize, and complete assigned work within established deadlines.
• Analyze technical problems and implement effective solutions in field environments.
• Work safely around traffic, heavy equipment, energized utilities, and hazardous construction conditions.
• Perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments and adverse weather conditions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare technical reports.
• Work cooperatively with coworkers, contractors, and the public while maintaining professionalism and customer service standards.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Subject to carrying and lifting loads up to 70 pounds.
• Subject to bending, twisting, sitting and physical exertion for extended periods.
• Subject to performing tasks while sitting at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Subject to working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Subject to climbing ladders, towers, poles and other structures as needed.
• Incumbents in this classification will be exposed to working in high traffic areas around heavy equipment and may be required to work over rugged terrain.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information

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