In this role you will support the Plant Manager in overseeing construction, maintenance, and daily operations of the Company’s fiber optic outside plant and network infrastructure. Assists with project management of network expansion initiatives, including fiber construction, splicing, testing, and activation of Broadband, Voice, and Video services.

Provides operational support to ensure reliable system performance, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery to customers. Coordinates field crews, contractors, and internal departments to maintain network integrity and support continued subscriber growth.

• Assists the Plant Manager in planning, organizing, and directing construction and maintenance activities related to fiber optic outside plant infrastructure.
• Supports project management of network expansion projects including route design coordination, permitting, contractor oversight, budget tracking, and project timeline adherence.
• Oversees fiber placement, splicing, testing, documentation, and turn-up of services including Broadband, Voice, and Video.
• Coordinates daily work activities of field technicians and contractors to ensure efficient response to service installations, outages, and maintenance requirements.
• Monitors network performance and reliability metrics; assists in troubleshooting and resolving plant-related service disruptions.
• Ensures accurate maintenance of fiber maps, splice documentation, and plant records.
• Assists with materials procurement and contractor RFPs.
• Reviews and approves contractor invoices and material usage for accuracy and compliance with project specifications.
• Assists to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to telecommunications plant construction and safety standards.
• Promotes and enforces company safety policies and OSHA requirements; conducts safety meetings and job site inspections as necessary.
• Coordinates with engineering, customer service, and technical support teams to ensure timely activation and restoration of services.
• Assists with inventory management of fiber materials, electronics, tools, and equipment.
• Serves as acting Plant Manager in their absence.

Performs all other related duties as assigned by the Plant Manager or Chief Operating Officer.

Required/ Highly Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of fiber optic construction practices, splicing, testing, and outside plant design.
• Understanding of Broadband (FTTH/FTTP), Voice (VoIP), and Video delivery systems.
• Ability to read and interpret fiber maps, construction prints, staking sheets, and technical schematics.
• Working knowledge of telecommunications industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to supervise field personnel and contractors while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding Company operations and customer information.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Financial acumen including budget tracking and cost control awareness.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Telecommunications, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field (Preferred).
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fiber optic construction, outside plant operations, or telecommunications network management (Required).
• Supervisory or project management experience (Preferred).
• Experience with FTTH deployments and broadband service providers (Preferred).
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office and plant documentation software (Required).

Working Conditions:

Combination of normal office environment and frequent fieldwork at construction sites and network facilities. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction environments, and occasional after-hours or emergency response situations.

The position is based in the NEIT Business Office located in Monona, IA. NEIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position is eligible for a full benefit package including health and dental insurance, 401K, sick and vacation time, along with company paid life and disability insurance.

• Business Hours - 8AM-4:30 Monday - Friday in Monona, IA 52159. The position will be required to work a rotation of on-call weekends and holidays.
• Opportunity for advancement based on performance

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $36.00 - $42.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person