Construction Laborer – Fiber Optics (Entry Level)
This role offers an excellent entry point into the fiber optics and telecommunications field for individuals with a construction background who enjoy hands-on work outdoors. You will support the installation, splicing, and maintenance of fiber optic systems while learning industry-standard practices and working closely with experienced technicians. Success in this position relies on reliability, punctuality, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn and work long hours in varying conditions.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the installation, splicing, and maintenance of fiber optic cable, including single-mode, multimode, stranded, and ribbon fiber.
- Support fiber splicing activities by preparing cables, setting up equipment, and following established splicing procedures under supervision.
- Analyze and troubleshoot basic technical issues related to fiber optic systems using provided tools and testing equipment.
- Review and interpret maps, drawings, blueprints, and testing documents to understand work scopes and project layouts.
- Perform daily testing, inspections, and routine maintenance on splicing and testing equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Conduct optical continuity and conformance testing to verify the quality and performance of fiber optic installations.
- Assist with splicing rearrangements on existing infrastructure in buried, underground, aerial, and building environments.
- Carry out trenching, digging, and backfilling tasks to prepare pathways for underground fiber and related infrastructure.
- Pull and route cable through conduits, underground pathways, and structures as part of fiber optic installation projects.
- Use power and hand tools safely and correctly to complete construction and installation tasks.
- Support general labor duties on job sites, including site preparation, cleanup, and material handling.
- Travel between job sites in work trucks, meeting at the shop as a starting point most days.
- Adapt to changing project needs and tasks, assisting where needed to keep projects on schedule.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated reliability, including consistently showing up to work on time and ready to perform duties.
- Comfort working long hours, including extended days and occasional Saturdays.
- Experience using power tools and hand tools safely in a construction or similar environment.
- Comfort working outdoors in varying weather and temperature conditions.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as trenching, digging, pulling cable, and general labor.
- Willingness and ability to learn fiber optic installation, splicing, and testing techniques.
- Basic construction experience, particularly in commercial or general construction environments.
- Strong work adaptability and openness to handling a variety of tasks depending on project needs.
- Valid driver capability to travel between job sites using work trucks, as required by project demands.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Construction background in telecommunications, underground utilities, or fiber splicing is a strong plus.
- Experience with fiber optic installation, including cable pulling and low-voltage work, is beneficial.
- Exposure to outside plant (OSP) and underground fiber projects is an advantage.
- Familiarity with telecommunication systems and general wiring practices is helpful.
- Ability to read and understand maps, blueprints, and construction drawings is preferred.
- Previous experience as a cable puller, general laborer, or in commercial construction is advantageous.
- Interest in building a long-term career in the fiber optics and telecommunications industry.
Why Work Here?
You will join a growing organization that invests in on-the-job training and provides a clear pathway into the high-demand fiber optics and telecommunications industry. The company offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, supporting your overall well-being while you develop valuable technical skills. You will work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to diverse projects, and have the opportunity to grow your career through hands-on experience and continuous learning.
Work Environment
This role is primarily field-based and involves working outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions, depending on the job site location. You will typically meet at the shop each day and then travel in work trucks to different project sites, spending much of the day on active construction and fiber installation locations. The standard schedule is approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some days extending to around 7:00 p.m. and occasionally as late as 10:00 p.m. The average workweek is roughly 55–60 hours, with some weeks reaching up to about 65 hours, including occasional Saturdays. You will regularly use power tools, hand tools, and fiber optic splicing and testing equipment while working in buried, underground, aerial, and building environments, and you should be prepared for a hands-on, physically active work setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Bend, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in South Bend, IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.