Fiber Construction Foreman (OSP/ISP)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Construction Foreman (OSP/ISP) oversees day-to-day field operations for both outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) fiber-optic infrastructure projects, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards. This role provides hands-on leadership to field crews, coordinates subcontractors, manages site logistics, and serves as the primary on-site point of contact for project managers, customers, and stakeholders.

The Foreman is responsible for the successful execution of underground, aerial, and building-based fiber infrastructure projects, including pathway construction, cable installation, fiber routing, termination support, equipment installation, and network infrastructure deployment. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical knowledge of fiber-optic construction methods across both OSP and ISP environments and can drive productivity, quality, and safety throughout all phases of a project.

Key Metrics

• On-time completion of construction and installation milestones

• Compliance with safety standards and zero lost-time incidents

• Quality of OSP and ISP fiber installations

• Accurate daily reporting and project documentation

• Effective crew management and productive work environment

• Minimal rework and adherence to project specifications

• Positive client, inspector, and stakeholder feedback

• Successful completion of testing, inspection, and acceptance requirements

• Material accountability and efficient resource utilization

Core Responsibilities

• Lead field crews in the installation of OSP and ISP fiber-optic infrastructure, including trenching, conduit systems, handholes, aerial pathways, riser systems, cable trays, innerduct, and building pathways.

• Coordinate daily work activities, ensuring proper sequencing, resource allocation, and adherence to project timelines.

• Enforce safety protocols and ensure all team members follow company, customer, and OSHA standards.

• Review construction drawings, floor plans, specifications, and network designs to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Maintain clear communication with project managers, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Ensure high-quality workmanship for both outside plant and inside plant fiber installations.

• Conduct on-site troubleshooting and problem-solving to keep projects progressing efficiently.

• Support installation activities within telecommunications rooms, data centers, MDFs, IDFs, and customer facilities.

• Coordinate project closeout activities, including documentation, punch-list completion, and customer acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor crew members while providing guidance on OSP and ISP construction practices, tools, and equipment.

• Verify material quantities, manage site inventory, and coordinate deliveries and equipment needs.

• Perform and oversee installation of conduit, microduct, innerduct, pull strings, vaults, cabinets, and aerial support infrastructure.

• Perform and oversee installation of cable tray systems, ladder racks, J-hooks, fiber raceways, telecommunications racks, cabinets, and pathway supports within buildings.

• Support fiber cable placement, routing, labeling, termination preparation, enclosure mounting, slack storage, and cable management activities.

• Coordinate installation and placement of telecommunications equipment, patch panels, fiber distribution panels, and related infrastructure.

• Ensure proper restoration of work areas and compliance with customer and contract requirements.

• Document daily progress, redlines, safety observations, production quantities, and issues using company reporting systems.

• Conduct site walkouts with clients, inspectors, and internal stakeholders.

• Verify all work meets quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable industry codes and standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fiber-optic, telecommunications, or network infrastructure construction.

• 1+ years in a leadership, crew lead, or foreman role.

• Strong understanding of both OSP and ISP fiber construction methodologies.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, utility maps, floor plans, network diagrams, and splice documentation.

• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards and proper use of PPE.

• Familiarity with telecommunications spaces including MDFs, IDFs, equipment rooms, and data centers.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between job sites.

• Ability to perform physical labor in various indoor and outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in telecommunications or fiber construction with at least 2 years supervising crews.

• Experience with underground, aerial, and building-based fiber deployments.

• Experience with structured cabling, fiber termination, testing, and certification.

• Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, BICSI Installer, BICSI Technician, CFOT, or equipment operator certifications.

• Familiarity with GIS tools, GPS equipment, CAD drawings, and digital reporting platforms.

• Knowledge of fiber distribution systems, splice enclosures, patch panels, racks, cabinets, and telecommunications room standards.

• Experience supporting data center, enterprise, healthcare, education, or carrier network deployments.

Key Skills

• Strong leadership and crew-management abilities

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

• Deep understanding of OSP and ISP fiber-optic construction practices

• Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, structured cabling, and fiber distribution systems

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, floor plans, and network diagrams

• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Detail-oriented approach to quality control and documentation

• Safety-focused mindset with proactive risk mitigation

• Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to build positive relationships with crews, inspectors, clients, and facility personnel

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work in awkward or confined positions for extended periods.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, equipment, and materials on active construction sites.

• Ability to climb ladders, enter manholes or vaults, and work at heights on scaffolding, lifts, or poles as required by the project.

• Ability to use hands and arms for handling, reaching, grasping, operating power tools, and performing repetitive motions.

• Adequate vision to read plans, labels, safety signs, and to safely navigate job sites with moving equipment and uneven terrain.

• Adequate hearing to communicate with team members and respond to job-site warnings or equipment signals in high-noise environments.

• Mental focus and situational awareness necessary to safely perform tasks around heavy equipment, energized systems, or hazardous conditions.

• Ability to manage and track multiple work activities, tasks, and changing project conditions in a dynamic construction environment.

Physical Exertion:

• Frequently exerts 50–75 pounds of force to lift, carry, move, or position materials, tools, and equipment; heavier lifting may be required with team assistance.

• Regularly performs physical labor requiring standing, walking, climbing, and working on uneven ground for long periods.

• May involve working in confined spaces, elevated areas, trenches, and other physically demanding environments.

• Frequent travel on foot across job sites, including navigating between work areas, levels, or terrain changes.

• May require operating hand and power tools, pulling fiber or cable, setting equipment, or handling construction materials.

Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in outdoor construction environments and active job sites.

• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.

• Frequent presence of dust, dirt, construction debris, and uneven terrain.

• Noise levels can be high due to heavy machinery, power tools, and ongoing construction activities.

• Work may occur in confined spaces, at heights, or near traffic depending on project requirements.

Hazards

• Potential exposure to slips, trips, and falls on uneven or obstructed surfaces.

• Risks associated with working at heights, ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms.

• Proximity to heavy equipment, moving vehicles, and power tools.

• Possible exposure to electrical hazards, underground utilities, and sharp or heavy materials.

• Repetitive motions and lifting requirements leading to ergonomic strain.

• Environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, loud noise, and airborne particulates.

Safety Precautions:

• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility apparel, and steel-toe boots.

• Participation in regular safety briefings, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and ongoing safety training.

• Adherence to all company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and site-specific rules.

• Use of fall protection systems when working at heights.

• Proper lifting techniques and regular breaks to reduce ergonomic strain.

• Maintaining situational awareness and clear communication with crew members and equipment operators.

Disclaimer:

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

• The Company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee's job duties at any time at its sole discretion.