The posting
Company Description Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world’s most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo’s 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo’s communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises. Zayo is seeking a Lead Fiber Route Patroller to protect the integrity, reliability, and resiliency of its long-haul fiber network through advanced route patrol, damage prevention, infrastructure inspection, and technical troubleshooting. This senior individual contributor operates independently, leads complex field investigations, identifies infrastructure risks, and provides technical guidance to field personnel to improve network protection and operational performance. Location Requirement: Please note that this role will be located in the Chicago, IL area and working remote and in the field. Our ideal candidate will reside within 60 minutes of the Chicago metro area. Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, such as OPT, TN, H1B or any other type of work visa, now or in the future. Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Field Operations Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber route protection, utility locating, damage prevention, and network troubleshooting. Perform advanced fiber testing, fault isolation, and troubleshooting using OTDRs, optical power meters, 10G–100G test sets, and applicable Layer 1–Layer 4 testing methodologies. Provide technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing to field technicians. Assess complex field issues, determine escalation requirements, and coordinate resolution of network risks and service disruptions. Support the development of standardized field troubleshooting procedures, testing methodologies, and technical documentation. Identify recurring technical issues and recommend corrective actions that improve network reliability and reduce repeat dispatches. Serve as a technical mentor for newly hired and developing technicians, supporting hands-on training and skill development. Route Patrol & Damage Prevention Lead proactive patrols and infrastructure inspections to identify construction activity, excavation, environmental hazards, and potential third-party damage. Prioritize patrols based on route criticality, historical damage, construction activity, and identified risks. Apply utility locating techniques, GPS, route maps, and construction drawings to identify potential conflicts and protect underground infrastructure. Coordinate with contractors, utility owners, and construction crews to implement preventive measures and mitigate infrastructure risks. Serve as an escalation resource when contractors are excavating near critical fiber facilities, particularly when locate accuracy, facility ownership, or excavation practices are in question. Conduct advanced locate audits and field validations to identify missing laterals, inaccurate markings, and discrepancies between physical infrastructure and network records. Partner with locate vendors, Damage Prevention, GIS, Engineering, and OSP to resolve complex facility identification and locate discrepancies. Identify opportunities to improve route protection through better documentation, proactive contractor engagement, and lessons learned from damage events. Assist management in reviewing patrol effectiveness and recommending adjustments to route coverage and construction monitoring. Incident Response & Operational Excellence Lead field assessments of suspected or confirmed damage, documenting site conditions, GPS coordinates, photographs, and technical findings. Partner with Network Operations, Engineering, Construction, and Field Operations to support fault isolation, restoration, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions. Identify recurring damage trends and recommend improvements to patrol practices, locating procedures, and infrastructure protection. Maintain accurate operational records, equipment readiness, and compliance with OSHA requirements, company safety policies, and established procedures. Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement in route patrol effectiveness, documentation, and cross-functional coordination. Ensure field observations, test results, damage locations, and restoration progress are accurately documented and communicated. Participate in post-incident reviews to identify root causes, restoration challenges, and opportunities for improved response. Support the development and validation of emergency restoration plans for critical long-haul routes. Qualifications Eight or more years of relevant telecommunications, fiber optics, utility locating, underground construction, or field operations experience preferred. Advanced knowledge of fiber infrastructure, long-haul route protection, utility locating, and construction-related damage prevention. Experience with fiber testing equipment, including OTDRs, optical power meters, and applicable 10G–100G test sets, with working knowledge of Layer 1–Layer 4 testing. Ability to independently assess field risks, troubleshoot complex issues, interpret infrastructure records, and drive resolution. Experience coordinating with contractors, utility owners, and technical teams, including incident investigation and root-cause analysis. Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical guidance without direct supervisory responsibility. Strong communication, problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills. Relevant safety or technical certifications preferred. Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, travel throughout assigned territories, respond to urgent field needs, and meet company driving requirements. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or relevant certifications preferred. Role Expectations Demonstrate technical autonomy, sound judgment, and ownership of assigned patrol territories. Success is measured by proactive risk mitigation, damage prevention effectiveness, timely incident resolution, accurate documentation, and improved technical capabilities across Field Operations. Estimated base pay range for this role is $32.30 - $49.71 USD / hour The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan. Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off. The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled. Benefits, Rewards & Wellness Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. As part of the application, hiring, onboarding, and/or employment process, Zayo or its affiliates, partners, and vendors may collect, store, and use biometric identifiers and biometric information (collectively, “Biometric Data”), such as fingerprints, facial geometry scans or other unique biological characteristics. Zayo uses CLEAR1, a third-party identity verification service, to verify applicant identity during the hiring process. CLEAR1 may collect Biometric Data, including facial geometry scans and/or other biometric identifiers, to authenticate your identity. Biometric Data will be retained pursuant to CLEAR1’s policies, which can be found here: https://www.clearme.com/clear1-credential-policy-crp. Zayo will not sell, lease, trade, or otherwise profit from any applicant's or employee's Biometric Data. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge this disclosure. Prior to any collection of Biometric Data — including through CLEAR — you may be presented with a separate consent form and asked to provide your written authorization in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), and other applicable biometric privacy statutes. Are You Ready to Think Big? At Zayo, we’re ambitious and authentic. Teamwork is how we get things done, whether it’s our focus on exceeding customer expectations or celebrating and growing our unique and dynamic culture. Our employees are driven and committed, with many options to connect and engage in our inclusive environment. Welcome Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
