Job Details

About Us

Welcome to Montana Internet

We are on a mission to build a better internet for the people of Montana, and you're invited!

Montana Internet was Helena's first internet provider when we launched our dial-up service back in 1994. Since then, we've been busy building a broadband network that connects thousands of residential and business customers across several regions of the Treasure State.

Now, in our 28th year, our team is laser-focused on strengthening our wireless network and bringing fiber optic internet to more people every day.

Coverage Areas: Greater Helena, Great Falls, Lewistown, including such communities as Boulder, Townsend, Ulm, Vaughn, Cascade, and points in between.

Fiber Optic Splicing Tech
Location: Helena, MT (local)
Employee Status: Full-time, non-remote, non-contract

Salary: $21-$28

Hourly wages range depending on experience

Job Summary

Outside plant fiber optic cable splicing, including both ribbon fiber and loose tube fiber, installation of splice closures, unidirectional and bidirectional fiber testing, fiber troubleshooting/repair, and test report generation. Coordinate daily crew activities and work schedule, maintaining a safe and quality work site and location, and maintain splicing rig and associated equipment and tools. Inspection of all equipment assigned to crew, maintain daily production rates. Ensure work is conducted in a safe manner and according to company safety practices.

While this role is splicing-focused, we are looking for candidates who are eager to work within a small team environment wearing multiple hats and helping out across functions, departments, and projects. This role is perfect for the experienced fiber-optic splicer who enjoys getting muddy and helping our operators and laborers get the job done no matter what it takes. At Montana Internet, we go above and beyond to get the job done, and this role will embody that statement.

Key Responsibilities

• Operation of electronic fusion splicing and testing equipment, including the use of all related fiber splicing hand tools. Equipment may include single fiber fusion splicers, mass fusion splicers, OTDRs, power meters, and OCWRs to complete unidirectional and bidirectional tests.
• Read and interpret fiber splicing diagrams, prints, specifications, work scopes, and fiber optic color code charts.
• Perform ring cuts.
• Install fiber closures, terminations, connectors, patch panels, and related materials.
• Mounting FTPs and splicing cabinets.
• Updating maps, polygons, and other related design platform functions in systems like Google Earth, Vetro Fiber Maps, and Tower Coverage.
• Utilize internal ticketing and work order systems to update customer-side statuses, tasks, etc. We utilize Zendesk, Google Calendar, and several proprietary back-office systems to facilitate this work.
• Connects wires and cables to terminals and attaches/detaches various kinds of hardware to wires, cables, buildings, or poles.
• Perform all work in a right-of-way environment, on enterprise properties, or in and around cell site locations.
• Deploying and removing various traffic control devices that protect the work area while on a street or roadway.
• Extensive knowledge of approved practices, procedures, tools, codes, and materials used in fiber optic cable splicing.
• Must be computer literate and familiar with laptops, tablets, and Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Knowledge of first aid procedures and CPR.
• Complete weekly time sheets and production reports.
• Must be able to quickly learn and understand individual market and client installation specifications and understand the importance of accurate client deliverables.
• Take site photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras, as needed.
• Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
• Participate, adhere to, and support all safety related policies, processes, and programs. Engage with your work team to ensure we achieve zero injuries. Understand that no job is so important that your safety, the safety of your crew, or public safety will be compromised. Watch for hazards and report any concerns to your supervisor or safety professional. If needed, use your stop work authority until the issue is resolved.
• Report all accidents and near misses to the supervisor; participate in the investigation process as needed.
• Lead, complete, and sign off on daily pre-job work planning and safety planning in the appropriate format. Identify safety hazards you or other employees may be subject to and take all necessary corrective action to eliminate and/or mitigate hazards. Assure all crew members understand, participate, and sign all pre-job safety planning tools at the start and end of the shift. Complete all required safety related paperwork.
• Understand and respond appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (i.e. back-up alarms, smell of smoke, fumes, odors, different colored warning tags, and warning sirens).
• Use effective verbal and written communication skills. Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions rapidly and accurately.
• Listen to co-workers suggestions, safety concerns, and recommendations giving full attention to what they are saying and take the time to understand the points being made, asking questions and providing feedback when appropriate.
• Coordinate work with other crafts and co-workers on the job.
• Provide on-the-job training and/or mentoring to helpers and laborers you are working with. Train/teach safety practices, policies, and procedures related to an employee's assigned tasks.
• Produce quality work, meeting requirements of plans, specifications, and industry standards.
• Read and understand MOPs, work orders, blueprints, plans datasheets, site drawings, and specifications. Visualize two-dimensional drawings in three dimensions. Must complete As-Built or redline documentation on prints.

Preferred Qualifications

• DOT Certification
• Basic First Aid/CPR

Minimum Qualifications

At least two years of experience working as a fiber splicing technician or a combination of work experience and training, and a working knowledge of fiber optic networks. Ability to understand and follow directions. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record for the last three years is required. Ability to drive a pick-up and trailer combination and maneuver it safely, including backing it up. Must be able to travel between remote site locations. The position will require the passing of a pre-employment drug test. Must be able to perform rope access work.

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Physical Demands:

• Lift and carry heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, Kneel, Bend, Stoop, Move in and around confined and cluttered places, and uneven areas, see and hear naturally or with correction.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Full range of motion and flexibility consistent with requirements of the job duties.
• Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls according to a set procedure.
• Push, pull, reach, and carry objects such as tools, cable, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Requires repetitive movement.
• Climb up and down and maintain balance on steel framework, stairs, ladders, machinery, and other objects.
• Work up to a 12-hour shift doing hard physical labor in varying temperature extremes and other outside conditions.
• Occasional night work, as required by project requirements.

Work Environment:

• Typical OSP aerial and underground construction environments, rights of way, easements, tower sites, and fiber plant head-end properties.
• Requires working in cramped work spaces and getting into awkward positions, including at elevations and in confined spaces.
• Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures and exposure to inclement weather such as dust, wind, snow, rain, etc.
• Requires working in extremely bright or low lighting conditions.
• Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Work around hazardous equipment.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position.

Work Environment & Company/Culture Fit

• Must be able to work normal hours of 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday with some weekend work and overtime when required.
• Consistency and reliability are critical
• Ability to work overtime when needed
• Must be a team player with a great attitude
• Ability to wear several different hats (like we all do here!)
• Not afraid to ask for help or provide feedback and input
• Interested in learning and growing professionally and personally

Benefits

• Medical Insurance with 100% employer-paid premium for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Aflac supplemental benefits.
• Company-paid term life insurance in the amount of $50,000.00, payable to the beneficiaries of your choice.
• Paid time off that starts accruing on your first day of employment
• Paid standard holidays, plus an additional "floater" holiday of your choosing.
• Cell phone reimbursement up to $65 per month.
• Company-paid home internet connection.
• Streaming reimbursement up to $15 per month (Netflix, Pandora, Spotify, etc.).
• Free DoorDash Dash Pass subscription.
• A fully stocked kitchen for your enjoyment.
• Paid training and PTO