Join East Central Energy's mission to deliver secure and dependable fiber internet services to our community! As a Fiber Maintenance Technician , you'll play a pivotal role in installing, inspecting, and maintaining our fiber network. Become part of a dynamic team and help craft the future of connectivity!

A day in the life

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair GPON/XGSPON Fiber Internet.

• Splice single-mode loose tube and ribbon fiber (up to 432 counts).

• Perform fiber construction, including MST placements, handhold setups, and conduit runs.

• Handle aerial and underground fiber optic construction and repairs.

• Manage emergency locates, outage reports, and contractor restoration efforts.

• Train members on safe fiber internet use.

• Promote and educate on ECE Fiber Services and appropriate internet plans.

• Conduct pre-install/repair meetings with members.

• Install, test, and repair member premise fiber, cat 5/6, and test phone numbers from the ONT or Gateway.

• Manage work order documentation for inventory and progress tracking.

• Conduct safety inspections on vehicles, tools, and safety equipment.

Requirements

• Two-year technical degree and 7 years of experience; or a minimum of 10 years of fiber optic construction experience with a combination of SM / MM fiber splicing, construction, repair, bucket truck operation, and experience maintaining a fiber optic network.

• Valid Driver's License required.

• DOT Medical Card required or the ability to obtain within the first month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Identify and understand safe approach distances for aerial fiber optic cables.

• Understand the infrastructure and optical power behaviors of GPON XGSPON Fiber to the home.

• Generate suggestions for better work practices and contribute innovative ideas.

• Adhere to safety protocols, report hazards, and near-misses promptly.

• Understanding of RUS codes, working in the ROW, building construction, reading interpreting construction prints, and manufacturer specifications.

• Continuously learn and enhance expertise through training opportunities.

• Engage with ECE employees and members to educate on Fiber Internet services and equipment.

• Prioritize numerous tasks required in the coordination of customer and contractor meetings and installations.

• Resolve customer complaints promptly for a positive cooperative image.

• Maintain high integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

• Perform basic mathematical computations to resolve optical loss problems and fault locating.

• Understand GPON/Fiber to the home infrastructure and optical power behavior and loss.

• Utilize computer programs for scheduling, reporting, equipment tracking, and communication via MS Office Suite.

What's in it for you?

• Join a culture of innovation, empowered decision-making, and accountability.

• We offer benefits like 100% employer-paid medical insurance and up to a 10% employer contribution to your 401(k).

• You'll enjoy perks like paid time off, education assistance, and more.

• Plus, you'll be part of a cooperative that cares about the communities we live and serve in.

The starting wage range for this position is $39-$42/hour. The wage is determined by relevant education and experience. This is a non-exempt (hourly), non-supervisory, onsite position from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at our Braham, MN, Operations North Building.

ECE is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Apply by Monday, December 23, 2024.