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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fiber Supervisor

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

TelecommunicationsConstructionManagementFiber Optics

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fiber Supervisor, you are the crucial on-the-ground leader responsible for driving the successful execution of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other telecommunications infrastructure projects. You will direct and manage both in-house teams and subcontractors, ensuring that all aspects of construction, splicing, and testing are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in outside plant (OSP) construction, project management acumen, and strong leadership skills to mentor teams and interface with clients, stakeholders, and municipal authorities. You are the key to turning engineering designs into fully operational, high-performance fiber optic networks.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Fiber Technician / Lead Splicer
  • OSP Construction Foreman
  • Telecom Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Fiber Construction Manager
  • OSP Project Manager
  • Regional Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control Manager (Telecom)
  • Network Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide daily leadership, direction, and hands-on supervision for in-house and subcontracted fiber construction crews, including splicers, linemen, and equipment operators.
  • Oversee all phases of OSP/ISP fiber optic construction projects, from initial site walks and constructability reviews to final testing, documentation, and closeout.
  • Enforce and rigorously audit all safety protocols and procedures (OSHA, company-specific) on-site to ensure a zero-incident work environment for all personnel.
  • Conduct regular quality control inspections to guarantee that all work, including trenching, conduit placement, aerial lashing, fiber splicing, and pedestal/vault placement, meets or exceeds project specifications and industry standards.
  • Manage project schedules and milestones, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays, resource conflicts, and other construction-related risks.
  • Interpret complex construction blueprints, splice diagrams, and engineering documents to guide crews and verify accurate implementation in the field.
  • Act as the primary on-site point of contact for clients, utility locators, municipal inspectors, and property owners, professionally resolving issues and providing progress updates.
  • Meticulously track and report on daily production, crew performance, material usage, and project progress to the Construction or Project Manager.
  • Supervise and validate the proper use of fiber optic testing equipment, including OTDRs, power meters, and VFLs, and review test results for compliance and quality.
  • Coordinate and manage the logistics of construction materials, tools, and heavy equipment, ensuring crews have the necessary resources to maintain productivity.
  • Lead pre-construction meetings and daily job site briefings (tailgate talks) to communicate objectives, safety hazards, and work plans to the entire team.
  • Approve field-generated red-line drawings and as-built documentation, ensuring all changes are captured accurately for final project records.
  • Manage subcontractor performance, holding them accountable for safety, quality, and adherence to the project schedule and contractual obligations.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical and construction-related challenges that arise in the field, making decisive and effective judgments.
  • Oversee the entire fiber splicing and activation process, ensuring logical splice assignments are followed and that network integrity is maintained.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and identify training needs for direct reports to foster professional growth and a highly skilled workforce.
  • Ensure all work sites are kept clean, organized, and are restored to their original or better condition upon project completion, managing all restoration efforts.
  • Investigate and document any utility damages, safety incidents, or public complaints, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Assist in the permitting process by coordinating with local agencies and ensuring all construction activities are in compliance with permit requirements.
  • Review and approve daily work reports, time sheets, and other administrative documentation from field crews for accuracy and completeness.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and train junior technicians and foremen to foster skill development and build a strong leadership pipeline within the team.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of company-wide construction standards, best practices, and safety procedures.
  • Collaborate with the engineering and design teams to provide critical constructability feedback on upcoming projects and network designs.
  • Participate in community and client meetings to address public concerns, explain the construction process, and provide high-level project updates.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expertise in Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optic construction methods, including aerial (pole-to-pole) and underground (trenching, boring, plowing) techniques.
  • Deep understanding of FTTH/FTTP/FTTx architecture, design, and deployment methodologies.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting telecommunications blueprints, splice diagrams, and GIS-based construction maps.
  • Hands-on experience with fiber splicing (fusion and mechanical) and an understanding of splice case preparation and closure.
  • Skilled in the use and analysis of fiber optic test equipment, including OTDR, Optical Power Meter (OPM), and Visual Fault Locator (VFL).
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards for aerial construction and local/state regulations for underground utility placement.
  • Familiarity with project management software and mobile reporting applications for tracking progress and daily reporting.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and traffic control procedures for construction work zones.
  • Experience managing construction equipment, vehicle fleets, and material inventories.
  • Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting, communication, and scheduling.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with a proven track record of motivating and directing crews.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with teams, management, and external stakeholders.
  • Proactive problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to navigate unforeseen field challenges.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
  • Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills to manage subcontractor and client relations.
  • Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Industry-specific certifications (e.g., FOA Certified Fiber Optics Technician, BICSI credentials).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Telecommunications Engineering Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Electronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-7 years of progressive experience in fiber optic, CATV, or telecommunications OSP construction.

Preferred:

  • At least 2-3 years of direct experience in a leadership role such as Foreman, Lead Technician, or Supervisor.
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