Broadband Technician

Are you tired of dealing with the corporate bureaucracy that comes from working for one of the “big guys”?  Are you ready to use your skills and knowledge with a company that is focused on serving our customers rather than chasing a quarterly profit margin? Maybe you’ve been in the telecommunications industry for a couple years or maybe a couple decades.  You are competent and you like the work, but you want to work for a company where your efforts are appreciated.  LaGrange County REMC has multiple openings for go-getters that pride themselves on customer service and doing the job right.  If you are ready for a career working with people who are driven and dedicated to making a difference in our community; building and operating a brand-new fiber optic network, this is the opportunity for you. 

About Us

LaGrange County REMC distributes electricity to over 7,000 members through a network of 600+ miles of power lines.  As a cooperative, our commitment to exemplary service is equal to our drive to provide affordable and reliable power to our members. With 85 years of success as our foundation, we are now expanding on our mission to serve our community by building a brand-new fiber optic broadband network to provide high-speed internet service to over 9,000 homes and businesses.  We are looking for team members who share our core values of determination, teamwork, excellence, and innovation to compliment this transformation of our business model.

As a Broadband Technician, you will be serving as the front-line representative and are vital to helping us deliver on our promise of best-in-class customer service. Our technicians care about providing technical expertise and customer support; developing meaningful connections with customers that create long-term relationships.  Responsibilities will vary and include completing installs, site reviews, repair and service calls at customer locations, constructing, maintaining and operating the fiber optic system and network equipment.

Technical Skills Needed:

• Perform basic to advanced installations and service changes for residential and commercial consumers of high-speed internet and telecommunication services.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of services from the NID to the ONT, up to subscriber’s devices, including WI-FI and networking issues.
• Troubleshoots by attempting to identify and remedy sources of internet or customer-perceived problems.
• Properly uses, stores, and maintains Digital Multi-Meter (DMM).
• Completes basic performance testing and setup of installed services, including PC, Local Area Network, and/or functionality of Voice over Internet Protocol telephone equipment.
• Build and terminate custom length ethernet cables.
• Operate, read, and interpret the results of fiber optic testing instruments such as a power meter and scope.
• Reads signal levels through the use of a field power meter; installs connectors on different types of drop cable; maintains proper clearances.
• Maintaining, operating, and constructing outside fiber plant.
• Fusion splicing drops and large count cables, troubleshooting, and testing fiber plant utilizing a variety of tools such as an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR).
• Analyze and troubleshoot technical network problems or issues.
• Determine total line quality to customer’s facilities.

Customer Relations Skills Needed:

• Educate subscribers on how to add devices to their network.  Adds devices to a subscribers’ network and makes configuration changes if needed.
• Interacts with customers in a professional, courteous manner; including when responding to escalations and repeat customer concerns.
• Educates customers on the features and functionality of installed products.
• Review and discuss service order requirements and equipment requests with customers.
• Reads and interprets customer service orders, repair tickets, technical (i.e., mechanical, electrical, digital) drawings, maps, diagrams, etc. and performs specified work.

Physical and Job Duty Requirements:

• Works outside or inside customer’s home or business to complete installations and repairs.
• Regularly climbs ladders while performing installations and repairs.
• Prepares for daily work assignments by requisitioning equipment and supplies from the warehouse, and stocking their vehicle as needed.
• Maintains company truck and other equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines.
• Drives company truck between office and work sites in a safe and courteous manner, and in accordance with all laws and company policies.
• Communicates with immediate supervisor and monitors provided software throughout the day for information regarding changes to work schedule, and for technical assistance at an installation or service call.
• Climb poles with proper equipment (safety belt, safety strap and climbers), ladders or other structures as needed. Lifts and carries loads up to 75lbs (including line ladder). Works within limited confines, such as crawl spaces.
• Participates in on-call rotation. 24/7 availability to respond to trouble calls for one week per month.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of telecommunications industry experience, which demonstrates a proficient knowledge of fiber outside plant construction and maintenance practices.
• Basic knowledge of emerging and advanced communications technologies; including Ethernet, WI-FI, mesh and GPON.
• Computer skills are required, including Excel, Outlook, Word, GIS, and inventory systems.
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Preferred:

• 10+ years of telecommunications industry experience, which demonstrates a proficient knowledge of fiber outside plant construction and maintenance practices.
• Experience and/or certification with Calix network equipment and software.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

What’s in it for you!

• Salary range for this position is $25 to $35 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account.
• Immediate eligibility for paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays.
• National discounts.
• On-site fitness center.
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Fully funded pension.
• Traditional 401K and Roth 401K programs with a company match.