Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fiber Planner
💰 $65,000 - $95,000
TelecommunicationsNetwork PlanningEngineeringOperations
🎯 Role Definition
The Fiber Planner is responsible for designing, coordinating, and managing the deployment and optimization of fiber-optic networks. This role ensures efficient use of resources, compliance with engineering standards, and collaboration with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders to meet network expansion and maintenance goals.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Network Technician
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Field Engineering Coordinator
Advancement To:
- Senior Fiber Planner
- Network Design Manager
- Regional Network Operations Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Fiber Construction Manager
- Network Project Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop detailed fiber network designs based on engineering requirements, geographical constraints, and customer demand forecasts.
- Plan and schedule fiber-optic network construction, maintenance, and upgrades to ensure timely project completion.
- Collaborate with field engineers and construction teams to coordinate fiber placement, splicing, and testing activities.
- Analyze network capacity, demand projections, and performance metrics to optimize fiber deployment strategies.
- Prepare and review fiber routing diagrams, network schematics, and technical documentation.
- Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations, and local permitting requirements.
- Evaluate project feasibility, resource allocation, and cost estimates to support budget planning.
- Conduct site surveys to assess infrastructure requirements, identify potential obstacles, and recommend solutions.
- Work closely with project managers to track project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinate with utility companies, municipal authorities, and private property owners to obtain necessary permits and approvals.
- Monitor construction activities to ensure adherence to network specifications and quality standards.
- Maintain accurate records of network assets, including fiber routes, splice points, and equipment locations.
- Support the design and implementation of fiber expansion initiatives to meet business growth objectives.
- Collaborate with internal teams to integrate fiber planning with broader network operations and IT systems.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses for network deployment alternatives, including aerial vs. underground fiber placement.
- Assist in troubleshooting network performance issues and provide technical recommendations.
- Review and approve contractor work plans, schedules, and quality control measures.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to align fiber network plans with business priorities.
- Evaluate emerging fiber technologies and recommend upgrades or adoption strategies.
- Ensure documentation and project records are updated and accessible for audits and future planning.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data analysis of network performance and capacity planning.
- Contribute to the organization’s fiber strategy and long-term roadmap.
- Collaborate with business units to translate operational needs into fiber network requirements.
- Participate in project review meetings to continuously improve network planning processes.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Fiber network design and planning
- Knowledge of GIS mapping and network modeling tools
- Understanding of fiber splicing, testing, and installation techniques
- Project scheduling and resource allocation
- Cost estimation and budgeting for network projects
- Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory requirements in telecom
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics
- Network performance monitoring and analysis
- Proficiency in software tools for planning, mapping, and project management
- Experience with both aerial and underground fiber deployment methods
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication with cross-functional teams and contractors
- Attention to detail and quality assurance focus
- Organizational and time management skills
- Collaboration and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments
- Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively
- Adaptability to changing project requirements and environments
- Critical thinking for planning and resource optimization
- Stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Professionalism and ethical conduct in field operations
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field
Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Network Engineering, Telecommunications, or Construction Management
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Network Planning
- Civil/Construction Engineering
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
3–5 years in fiber network planning, telecommunications engineering, or related roles
Preferred:
Experience in large-scale fiber deployment projects, network design, and coordination with contractors and municipalities