OSP Training Specialist

About Lightpath

Lightpath is building the fiber infrastructure the digital economy depends on - owning, operating, and expanding dense, high-performance networks for enterprises, public institutions, carriers, and cloud innovators. Our all-fiber network supports mission-critical environments, from financial markets and healthcare systems to AI platforms and next-generation cloud architectures. As we expand across the Northeast and into high-growth markets nationwide, we invest ahead of demand - building infrastructure with precision, resilience, and accountability.

To support that growth, we’re building a team of people who take ownership, think long-term, and take pride in tackling complex work with care and integrity. At Lightpath, every role contributes to infrastructure that powers critical systems and real-world outcomes. We look for individuals who value precision, accountability, and collaboration and who want to help build networks, processes, and partnerships that are engineered to last.

Position Summary

The Outside Plant (OSP) Training Specialist at Lightpath is responsible for developing and leading training programs that support the safe, efficient, and high-quality construction of underground conduit infrastructure for fiber optic network expansion.

This role ensures field crews, subcontractors, and foremen are trained to meet Lightpath’s construction standards, client SLAs, and municipal requirements across enterprise, small cell, and backbone fiber projects. The Training Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, damage prevention, quality assurance, and workforce development as Lightpath continues to expand its high-capacity fiber footprint.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop structured onboarding and ongoing training programs for underground conduit installation, directional drilling, trenching, and restoration.
• Standardized training materials to reflect Lightpath construction specifications and fiber-ready conduit best practices.
• Deliver classroom, yard, and live field training.
• Develop skill-level certification paths for operators, laborers, and foremen.
• Train on conduit placement standards, minimum depth compliance, spacing, bend radius, coupler installations, inner duct or related hardware, slack management, cable preparation, protection methods, pull box placement, manhole and handhole installation.

• Train crews on Lightpath fiber deployment standards, including:
  • Mandrel testing and proofing
  • Innerduct installation
  • Microduct systems (where applicable)
  • Proper labeling and documentation
• Educate teams on construction print interpretation, fiber route maps, and as-built documentation requirements.
• Reinforce SLA-driven timelines and restoration expectations.
•      Lead OSHA-compliant safety training specific to trenching, excavation, and directional boring.
•      Train crews on 811 compliances, utility locating coordination, and strike prevention protocols.
• Conduct refresher training following any damage incidents.
• Promote a “zero-damage, zero-incident” culture aligned with Lightpath’s safety-first philosophy.
• Provide operator training on directional drills, trenchers, mini-excavators, vac trucks, and support equipment.
• Train on bore planning, drill tracking systems, and proper bore shot documentation.
• Ensure crews are trained in daily inspections and preventive maintenance standards.
• Reinforce proper restoration practices in high-visibility municipal and enterprise environments.
• Conduct field audits and crew evaluations to ensure compliance with Lightpath standards.
• Identify workmanship gaps and provide corrective coaching.
• Track measurable improvements in:
  • Damage rates
  • Restoration quality
  • Rework percentages
  • Production efficiency
• Support Construction and Operations leadership with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Construction Managers, Safety, Engineering, and Project Management teams to identify training needs.
• Assist in succession planning and development of high-potential field leaders.
• Support subcontractor alignment to Lightpath’s quality and safety expectations.
•  Maintain comprehensive training records and certification tracking.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of telecommunications outside plant conduit construction experience.
• Strong background in underground fiber network construction.
• Experience in directional boring and trenching in urban and suburban municipal environments.
• Prior leadership, foreman, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience training or mentoring personnel is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of fiber-ready conduit standards and underground utility installation.
• Knowledge of municipal permitting environments and restoration standards.
• Ability to read and interpret fiber construction drawings and bore profiles.
• Strong familiarity with 811 damage prevention and underground utility coordination.

Certifications (Preferred)

• OSHA 30
• Competent Person – Trenching & Excavation
• OTDR Certifications
• CPR/First Aid

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership presence in field environments.
• Excellent communication and instructional skills.
• Detail-oriented with high quality standards.
• Performance-driven with measurable training outcomes.
• Ability to travel throughout Lightpath’s service territory.

Success Metrics (Lightpath-Focused KPIs)

• Reduction in utility strikes and damage claims.
• Improved first-pass inspection approval rates.
• Reduction in rework and restoration callbacks.
• Increased crew production efficiency.
• Improved safety performance metrics.
• Development of certified internal equipment operators and foremen.

Lightpath is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Lightpath collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law.  This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.