Fiber Maintenance Technician

Are you hands-on, safety-minded, and enjoy working outdoors to keep critical infrastructure running? East Central Energy (ECE) is looking for two Fiber Maintenance Technician to join our Broadband team. In this role, you’ll install, inspect, maintain, and repair ECE’s fiber network to ensure reliable, high-quality internet service for our members. If you take pride in technical work, problem-solving, and supporting your local community, we encourage you to apply today and be part of your local co-op!

Requirements:

- Education & Experience: Two-year technical degree with seven years of experience, or a minimum of ten years of fiber optic construction experience, or a combination of education and experience. Experience includes single-mode and multi-mode splicing, construction, repair, bucket truck operation, and maintaining a fiber optic network.

- Credentials: Valid Driver’s License and DOT medical card, or ability to obtain within the first month of employment.

- Skills: Strong technical and troubleshooting skills related to fiber optic systems. Knowledge of GPON/XGPSON infrastructure, optical power behavior, and loss. Ability to read construction prints, understand Rural Utilities Service codes, work safely in the right-of-way, and follow manufacturer specifications. Strong communication skills, commitment to safety, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Why You'll Love Working at ECE:

- Values-Driven Culture: Built on Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Humility, we foster innovation, accountability, and empowered decision-making to help you succeed.

- Competitive Pay: Starting wage range of $37.20-$41.86 hourly, based on your relevant education and experience.

- Outstanding Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical with employer contributions to an HSA, dental, vision, STD, LTD and more—including tuition reimbursement and employee assistance programs.

- Future-Ready: Build your financial security with a 401(k)-plan featuring up to a 10% employer contribution.

- Rest and Renewal: Recharge with 22 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays.

- Community Focused: Be part of a cooperative that actively supports local initiatives and strengthens the communities we serve.

A Day in the Life:

- Fiber installation and maintenance: Install, inspect, maintain, and repair GPON/XGSPON fiber internet services, including aerial and underground fiber optic cables. Perform fiber splicing, connector replacement, slack storage, and sealed splice closure installation while following construction standards and safety requirements.

- Troubleshooting and restoration: Diagnose no-light or low-light issues using OTDR equipment. Locate, isolate, and repair damaged fiber, respond to outages, complete incident reports, and oversee contractor restoration efforts as needed.

- Construction and system support: Read and interpret construction prints, place MSTs and handholes, run conduit, and perform overhead and underground fiber construction. Maintain power plants, replace batteries, operate generators, and safely work with fiber optic and related equipment.

- Member service and education: Work directly with members to complete installations and repairs, explain service options, and educate members on fiber internet equipment and usage. Install, test, and troubleshoot fiber drops, CAT 5/6 cabling, ONTs, gateways, and VOIP services.

- Oversight and documentation: Provide quality control for contract installation technicians, maintain accurate work order documentation, manage field progress, and conduct safety inspections on vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Additional Details:

- Schedule: Onsite, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Superior, WI Operations Center.

- Hybrid Option: This position does not offer a hybrid work option.

- Equal Opportunity Employer: ECE embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the unique perspectives and experiences they bring.

Apply by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, February 16, to start your journey with East Central Energy!