CABLE INSTALLER JOB DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

A cable run that ends at the wrong endpoint costs a project day and a re-inspection fee. The Cable Installer is the field technician who prevents that outcome, responsible for the physical installation, termination, and testing of structured cabling systems - including Cat 5E, Cat 6, and fiber optic cable - across commercial construction and tenant build-out environments. This role operates under a Project Lead, working to BICSI and OSHA standards on sites ranging from active construction floors to finished corporate offices. Precision matters here.

As the Cable Installer, you will execute the full physical scope of structured cabling projects, from pulling and terminating copper and fiber cable to testing, labeling, and documenting completed runs to specification. You work within a field crew reporting to a Project Lead, with your output directly determining whether a site passes inspection and activates on schedule.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience terminating Cat 5E, Cat 6, and fiber optic cable across commercial build-outs builds the verified field hours required to pursue BICSI Installer certification, a credential that carries measurable weight in the low-voltage contracting market.

Business Impact: When a Cable Installer terminates and tests correctly, a commercial tenant or broadband subscriber gets connectivity on day one - a failed run delays activation, triggers re-inspection fees, and pushes project close dates.

Growth Opportunity: Technicians who demonstrate accuracy in termination and documentation typically advance to Lead Technician roles overseeing crew-level work across multi-site projects, expanding both scope and compensation.

• Install Cat 5E, Cat 6, and fiber optic cable across commercial, residential, and tenant build-out environments to specification.
• Terminate copper and fiber cable at all endpoints, including RJ45, RJ11, and coax connections, to meet project standards.
• Test completed cable runs using appropriate field test equipment and document results for inspection and handoff.
• Install cable support infrastructure including conduit, cable trays, j-hooks, raceways, and innerduct per project drawings.
• Troubleshoot installation and connectivity issues at point of service and escalate unresolved problems to the Project Lead.
• Document network configurations by labeling, routing, and recording cable paths and specification diagrams accurately.
• Maintain a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and site-specific safety requirements.
• Coordinate with the Project Lead and fellow technicians to complete work orders correctly and on schedule.

• High school diploma, GED, or trade school education in electrical, telecommunications, or electronics, or equivalent work experience.
• One or more years of structured cabling or low-voltage installation experience, with demonstrated termination accuracy.
• Knowledge of CATV installation quality standards, structured cabling standards, and applicable building codes.
• Ability to read blueprints, cable drawings, and work orders and apply written specifications to produce clean installations.
• Ability to discern wire and cable colors used for safety and telecommunications terminations.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and the ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs, climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and operate power tools at height.

• Familiarity with fiber optic testing procedures including OTDR operation and light meter readings.
• Experience installing access control devices, cameras, and IP device cabling in addition to structured data cable.
• Comfort operating boom lifts and scissor lifts, with a valid lift ticket or willingness to obtain one.
• Exposure to fire stopping installation in conduits, wall penetrations, and cable trays in occupied commercial buildings.

• Work order completion rate, measuring how consistently assigned installs are closed correctly and on time.
• Re-inspection rate per project, reflecting termination accuracy and compliance with site specifications.
• Cable test pass rate on first attempt, indicating termination quality across copper and fiber runs.
• Documentation accuracy score, based on labeling and routing records reviewed at project closeout.
• OSHA incident rate, tracking adherence to site safety requirements across field assignments.
• Typical tools: Cable testers (commonly Fluke DSX or equivalent), OTDR equipment (commonly JDSU or equivalent), power tools and hand tools standard to low-voltage installation.

• Base Salary Range: $40,000 to $58,000 per year, varying by market and experience level.
• Bonus: project completion bonuses common in contracting environments.
• Equity: not typical at this level in the trades sector.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard US holidays.
• Common Perks: Company vehicle or vehicle allowance, tool allowance, and paid trade certifications.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including motor vehicle record review, are a standard condition of employment for field roles requiring company vehicle operation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Cable Installer delivers installation and termination of Cat 5E and Cat 6 cable across residential and commercial sites, working under the direction of the Project Lead to meet project specifications. This role enables safe, code-compliant cabling infrastructure that supports reliable network connectivity for end customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Pull and install Cat 5E and Cat 6 cable throughout residential and commercial sites.
• Climb ladders and lifts at various heights to complete overhead cabling work.
• Install cable pathways, raceways, sleeves, and chases per project specifications.
• Terminate Cat 5E and Cat 6 cable properly at all endpoints.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment throughout the project.
• Take direction from the Project Lead and follow both simple and complex instructions.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, trade school training preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• One to two years of experience in cable installation or a related field.
• Knowledge of Cat 5E, Cat 6, fiber optic, coax, and structured cabling standards.
• Ability to install, terminate, and test various cable types including RJ45, RJ11, and coax.
• Ability to read blueprints and diagrams and apply written instructions to produce clean installations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent customer service focus.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs, work in confined spaces, and operate power tools on ladders.

Embedded within the field service team, the Cable Installer owns the installation and replacement of cable TV, internet, voice, and security products for residential and commercial subscribers. Working closely with internal customer service and dispatch, this role ensures work orders are closed accurately and subscribers are educated on their equipment.

Core Functions

• Install, maintain, and repair cable TV, voice, and internet systems including internal and external wiring.
• Test newly installed or relocated cables according to company and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network communication issues at point of service.
• Repair related cable poles and towers as needed.
• Install cable support structures including cable racks, j-hooks, and innerduct.
• Collaborate with internal customer service to ensure work orders are handled correctly and on time.
• Educate subscribers on the use of equipment and services provided.
• Close out work orders accurately with the proper task and billing codes.
• Perform regular vehicle and tool inspections and maintain company-issued equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or related trade school education required.
• Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets company requirements.
• One year of professional cable technician experience and one year of customer service experience.
• Knowledge of CATV installation quality standards and requirements.
• Ability to install complex television and internet equipment and utilize mobile test equipment.
• Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve customer-initiated service and installation issues.
• Strong verbal communication skills with superior customer service focus and strong time management.
• Ability to lift 80 lbs, stoop, crawl, bend, squat, climb a 28-foot ladder, and work in confined spaces.

Reporting to site management, the Cable Installer shapes the delivery of cabling infrastructure for data, audiovisual, and CCTV systems across residential and commercial environments. Partnering with customers and internal teams, this role contributes to reliable service activation and accurate work order completion.

Primary Duties

• Interact face-to-face with customers and connect them to services that matter most in their daily lives.
• Perform new connects, reconnects, upgrades, and disconnects for residential broadband and television services.
• Install, mount, and service cabling infrastructure and devices for data, audio visual, and CCTV systems.
• Terminate, test, report, and label cable installations per specifications and drawings.
• Install network racks and cabinets in server rooms.
• Troubleshoot service issues and relocate cable outlets, add routers, and set up interior and exterior wiring.
• Complete detailed and accurate paperwork and close work orders in a timely manner.
• Ensure safety and incident reporting procedures are followed at all times.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in electrical, telecommunications, electronics, or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle required, as not all sites are transit accessible.
• One to five years of cable technician experience in electrical, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Knowledge of CATV installation standards and experience with fiber, satellite, Cat5, and Cat6 cabling.
• Ability to install and terminate coax, RJ11, and RJ45 cables and operate mobile test equipment.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and boom or scissor lifts.
• Effective communication and outstanding customer service skills with strong critical thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs, work at heights, and work in varied environments from construction sites to corporate offices.

Sitting at the intersection of technical field service and customer experience, the Cable Installer leads installation, troubleshooting, and repair of cable and internet equipment for residential subscribers. Operating across dispatch-driven work orders and direct customer interactions, this role ensures satisfaction metrics are tracked and service quality is maintained.

Duties

• Install new service and troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, or replace customer equipment as needed.
• Perform new connects, reconnects, upgrades, and disconnects including coax, phone line, and ethernet connections.
• Investigate and resolve device and network-specific issues at the point of installation.
• Log customer feedback and concerns to ensure accurate tracking of satisfaction metrics.
• Complete paperwork with each work order in a timely manner to ensure all details are recorded.
• Handle all customer complaints and questions and develop appropriate solutions.
• Educate customers on how to operate equipment after setup to ensure long-term success.
• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and OSHA guidelines throughout the workday.
• Work closely with dispatch in accordance with company procedures and assist with work overflow as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to pass an MVR screen, background check, and drug test.
• One year of experience in electronics, CATV, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Knowledge of structured cabling, CATV standards, and experience terminating coax, RJ11, and RJ45 cables.
• Ability to operate multi-meters, RF signal level meters, and hand and power tools.
• Basic Microsoft Office and computer skills required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with customers in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs, climb heights, work in attics and crawl spaces, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

A key member of the field installation team, the Cable Installer builds and maintains structured cabling infrastructure including fiber optic, Category 5e, Category 6, and multi-pair backbone copper cable at various locations. Collaborating across trades and project sites, this role ensures grounding, fire stopping, and documentation standards are met in compliance with applicable codes.

Functions

• Install fiber optic cable and Category 5e, Category 6, multi-pair backbone copper, and structured cable at various locations.
• Pull and terminate all counts of fiber and copper cable and establish grounding systems.
• Install or maintain existing fire stopping systems in conduits, trays, and wall, ceiling, and floor penetrations.
• Relocate cable drops and test fiber and copper installations to ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Document network configurations by labeling and routing equipment and cables and recording specification diagrams.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following codes, standards, and legal requirements.

Technical Qualifications

• Trade or high school education required.
• At least two years of experience in fiber optic and structured cabling installation.
• Knowledge of fiber optic cabling, copper termination, OTDR testing, and grounding systems.
• Ability to use a variety of general and specialty hand tools and test equipment.
• Ability to discern colors used for safety and telecommunications terminations.
• Willing to work days, nights, and weekends and in tight, confined areas for extended periods.
• Ability to carry heavy loads and climb ladders as needed.

Reliable security infrastructure and network connectivity depend on the Cable Installer, who assists with the installation of access control devices, cameras, IP devices, and structured cabling systems. Based within a team environment alongside a project manager and lead technician, this role supports the accurate termination, testing, labeling, and documentation of horizontal and backbone cables.

Accountabilities

• Assist with the installation of access control devices, electrified door hardware, cameras, and IP devices.
• Install cable pathway systems to support security and network systems.
• Install, terminate, test, label, and document horizontal, backbone, and other cables.
• Run conduit (EMT) with minimal supervision and pull wire and cable through pipe, walls, and cable trays.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve cable and device installation issues.
• Work in a team environment with the project manager, lead technician, and other field technicians.

Background and Experience

• Valid driver's license required and must pass a background check and drug screen.
• Experience running conduit and pulling cable through walls, pipes, and cable trays.
• Knowledge of access control systems, camera installation, and structured cabling standards.
• Ability to read blueprints and use power tools, measuring devices, and testing equipment.
• Flexible schedule availability including nights, weekends, and overnight shifts as needed.
• Comfortable working off a ladder and aerial man-lift.

Cable Installer runs ethernet and fiber optic cabling throughout multi-dwelling unit apartments, configuring routers and optimizing Wi-Fi performance for residential customers. The work directly supports reliable internet access for underserved communities, with the role serving as the primary customer-facing representative during installation and service visits.

Activities

• Run cable and ethernet throughout multi-dwelling unit apartments and install fiber optic cabling.
• Set up and configure routers and optimize Wi-Fi performance for residential customers.
• Respond to and troubleshoot network issues including device and connectivity problems.
• Operate OTDR, light meter, VFL, and other fiber test equipment during installation and maintenance.
• Read, understand, and follow work orders, prints, and scopes accurately.
• Serve as the professional and friendly face of the company during all customer interactions.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and maintain a willingness to continuously learn.

Professional Experience

• One to three years of fiber optic or similar cabling experience preferred.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools and comfortable working in confined spaces including basements and electrical closets.
• Knowledge of fiber optic cabling, structured cabling, and router and Wi-Fi configuration.
• Ability to operate OTDR, light meters, and VFL test equipment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a friendly and professional customer-facing approach.
• Flexible working schedule availability required.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and work in confined and varied environments.