Broadband Technician (LaGrange County REMC)

Broadband Technician

Are you someone who takes pride in doing the job right and providing great customer service? Do you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and being part of a team that serves the local community? LaGrange County REMC is looking for dependable, motivated individuals who are willing to learn and take initiative. Whether you already have experience in the telecommunications industry or are ready to learn a new trade, we are looking for local go-getters who want to grow their skills while helping build and operate our fiber optic network throughout LaGrange County. We value people with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to serve. If you are looking for an opportunity to work with a team that is driven, dedicated, and making a difference in the community, this could be the career opportunity for you.

About Us

LaGrange County REMC distributes electricity to more than 7,000 members across 600 miles of power lines and delivers high-speed internet through more than 500 miles of fiber to nearly 5,000 customers. For over 90 years, we’ve powered our local communities and taken pride in keeping them connected.

As a cooperative, we’re committed to exceptional service, dependable energy, and forward-thinking innovation. We’re seeking team members who share our values of determination, teamwork, excellence, and innovation—and who want to help strengthen the essential services our communities rely on every day.

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.
• Computer skills are required, including Excel, Outlook, Word, GIS, and inventory systems.
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.

Preferred:

• 5+ 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.
• Basic knowledge of emerging and advanced communications technologies; including Ethernet, WI-FI, mesh and GPON.
• 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.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• Immediate eligibility for paid time off—no waiting period
• 10 paid holidays each year
• Access to exclusive national discount programs
• On-site fitness center to support your wellness goals
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Fully funded pension plan—a rare and valuable retirement benefit
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans with company match