Fiber Optic Cable Installation Ground Crew-Spotter / Laborer / Ground Hand
Description
Mako Industries is seeking experienced underground utility construction laborers to support the installation of approximately 14 miles of fiber-optic cable using a Caterpillar D6 dozer equipped with a cable plow and front-mounted cable reel.
Ground crew personnel will assist with cable handling, reel monitoring, installation support, crossings, excavations, and general field activities to ensure safe and efficient installation.
The work will be performed along an existing pipeline ROW in Wyoming, potentially under winter weather and restricted daylight working conditions.
Primary Responsibilities
Cable Handling & Plow Support
- Assist the D6 operator during fiber-optic cable plowing operations.
- Monitor cable payout from the front-mounted reel to ensure smooth, controlled feeding.
- Watch for cable binding, excessive tension, twisting, or damage.
- Assist with cable positioning, routing, and handling at crossings and excavations.
- Maintain proper cable bend radius and handling practices.
- Support cable reel changes, staging, and equipment repositioning.
- Maintain safe separation from moving equipment, reels, cable pinch points, and plowing operations.
Crossings, Tie-Ins & Excavations
- Assist with cable installation around pipeline crossings, bores, and unfinished excavations.
- Perform approved hand excavation and cable placement where mechanical plowing is not practical.
- Assist with cable slack management at designated splice-box and termination locations.
- Install temporary cable protection where required.
- Support installation of pull boxes, splice enclosures, and associated materials as directed.
- Coordinate with the operator and field supervision to identify obstructions or incomplete work areas.
Quality & Installation Support
- Assist in verifying cable placement and burial depth as directed.
- Identify and report potential cable damage or installation defects.
- Support fiber-optic testing personnel with cable access and preparation.
- Maintain daily installation records, material usage, and progress documentation.
- Assist with site cleanup and restoration activities.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Follow all Mako, Saulsbury, ExxonMobil, and BLM safety requirements.
- Participate in daily job safety analyses and toolbox meetings.
- Maintain situational awareness around operating equipment and underground utilities.
- Follow approved excavation, line-of-fire, and equipment exclusion-zone procedures.
- Work safely in winter weather, freezing temperatures, snow, and uneven terrain.
- Report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, and potential environmental impacts.