Job Summary: The Shovel Technician is an independent contractor responsible for the manual installation and burial of telecommunication cables (coaxial and fiber optic) from the service provider's network to residential and commercial customer premises. This role is paid per completed job, requiring efficiency, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manual Cable Burial:
- Perform efficient and safe manual excavation and burial of coaxial and fiber optic cables underground.
- Dig trenches to specified depths (typically 6-8 inches) for cable placement, ensuring proper slack and protection.
- Utilize hand tools such as shovels, pickaxes, mattocks, and tamping tools.
- Navigate various terrains and soil conditions, including rocky or root-filled areas.
- Site Restoration:
- Backfill trenches carefully, restoring the job site to its original condition.
- Repair disturbed landscaping, sod, and other property features neatly and professionally.
- Ensure the work area is clean and free of debris upon completion.
- Site Assessment & Preparation:
- Conduct visual site assessments to identify the best route for cable burial.
- Locate and mark existing underground utilities (gas, water, electric, etc.) through professional locate services to prevent damage.
- Identify unmarked utilities and customer-specific equipment (e.g., sprinkler systems, dog fences) and take precautions to avoid damaging them.
- Confirm cable routing and installation requirements based on work orders.
- Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all cables are buried to the correct depth and specifications.
- Verify the integrity of the buried drop, ensuring no kinks, damage, or improper slack.
- Perform basic visual checks to confirm the cable is properly connected at both ends (house and tap/pedestal).
- Customer Interaction:
- Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when on customer property.
- Communicate politely with customers if necessary, regarding the burial process and any potential temporary disturbances.
- Ensure minimal disruption to the customer's property during the burial process.
- Tool & Equipment Management:
- Provide and maintain your own hand tools necessary for manual digging and restoration (shovels, rakes, tamping tools, etc.).
- Ensure all tools are in good working order and safely transported.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Complete accurate per-job documentation, which may include photographs of the completed work, site conditions, and any notes on challenges encountered.
- Submit completed job information in a timely manner for payment processing.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Adhere strictly to all safety guidelines and procedures, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
- Follow all company and industry standards for safe digging and utility location.
- Report any safety concerns or incidents immediately.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Proven experience (1+ year preferred) in manual labor, landscaping, trenching, or a related outdoor physical role. Prior experience with telecommunications cable burial is a significant advantage.
- Physical Stamina: Exceptional physical fitness and endurance are essential. Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods, including frequent and heavy lifting (up to 75 lbs), digging, bending, stooping, kneeling, and standing in various weather conditions.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to assess challenging digging conditions (e.g., rocky soil, roots, slopes) and adapt techniques to complete the job effectively.
- Independence: Highly self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- Reliability: Dependable and committed to completing assigned jobs efficiently and to high quality standards.
- Communication: Basic communication skills to interact professionally with customers and dispatch.
- Driver's License: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Vehicle: Reliable transportation (e.g., truck, van, or SUV) capable of carrying tools and equipment to various job sites.
- Tools: Must possess and maintain necessary hand tools for digging and landscaping restoration.
Compensation:
- This is a per-job (piece-rate) compensation model. Payment is issued upon successful completion and verification of each buried drop, as per agreed-upon rates.
- Potential for high earning based on efficiency, quality, and volume of completed jobs.
Working Conditions:
- Exclusively outdoor work in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow).
- Frequent exposure to dirt, dust, noise, and varying terrains.
- Requires significant physical exertion and manual labor.
