Jacob L. Harbert

OSP Engineering | Utility Joint Use Design | Project Management

jharbert007@gmail.com | (304) 709-9888 | Linkedin | PMI | Certifications

Professional Summary

Driven and detail-oriented Utility Infrastructure Improvement Specialist and OSP Engineering

Team Lead with over four years of proven leadership in broadband development, utility modernization,

and cross-functional team training. Adept at managing large-scale infrastructure projects across West

Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, with a specialized focus on rural broadband expansion, fiber

network design, and joint-use utility coordination. Recognized for excellence in field operations, technical

training, and quality control, and trusted to serve as a key liaison between engineering, field crews, and

project stakeholders. Known for blending technical precision with leadership integrity, rooted in early

civic and performance honors that cultivated a lifelong commitment to public service, systems

improvement, and strategic planning. Currently pursuing advanced certifications through the Project

Management Institute to elevate project leadership capabilities in the utility and broadband sector.

Professional Experience

UII Lead OSP Engineer Field Technician & Broadband Division Training

Coordinator

The Thrasher Group, Inc. – Bridgeport, WV

August 2024 – Present

In my current, dual role as Lead Team OSP Engineer and Lead Training Coordinator within the

UII Broadband Division of the Land Development Department at The Thrasher Group Inc., I lead the

execution of key rural broadband expansion projects across underserved regions in West Virginia and

neighboring states. My primary responsibilities encompass meeting with Engineering heads of

communication contractors to discuss project plans, in-field pole data collection and existing

infrastructure quality observation and measurement, preliminary fiber optic route design, and full-scale

Make Ready Engineering for joint use contracts between electrical distribution companies and

telecommunications companies. In the UII Broadband Division, I serve as the final Quality Control

Engineer on every project before deliverables are submitted to contractors ensuring accuracy, NESC

compliance, Fiber Network line drafting proposals and overall product integrity.

Training and Development Responsibilities:

• Serve as Lead Training Coordinator for all new employees in the UII Broadband division

• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs covering NESC (National Electrical

Safety Code) regulations and compliance requirements

• Conduct specialized training sessions on pole data information collection, analysis, and

documentation protocols

• Provide hands-on instruction in Make Ready Engineering processes, including assessment of

existing infrastructure and preparation requirements• Train personnel in Network Design principles, including fiber optic routing, capacity planning,

and system optimization

• Lead comprehensive training modules on New Pole Line Engineering, covering design

standards, load calculations, and regulatory compliance

• Oversee practical training in staking procedures and pole loading analysis, ensuring all trainees

understand safety protocols and technical requirements

• Establish standardized training curricula and assessment protocols to maintain consistency

across all training programs

• Use Microsoft Office to develop contractor specific training tools and continuously update

templates to ensure accuracy

Technical Engineering Duties:

• Design new pole lines and conduct comprehensive pole loading analysis

• Coordinate directly with internal teams and project stakeholders to ensure project alignment and

deliverable quality

• Manage both design workflow and technical accuracy protocols

• Maintain critical contributor status for the success and scalability of rural broadband

infrastructure projects

Major Project Leadership & Delivery:

• Marshall-Wetzel Fiber Expansion Project (SLFRF-funded) - Served as Lead Project

Engineer managing complete project lifecycle from initial field data collection and existing

infrastructure assessment through comprehensive engineering design, route optimization, and

preparation of final construction-ready deliverables. Coordinated directly with contractor teams

to ensure seamless handoff of engineered designs and permitting documentation, maintaining

project timeline adherence and NESC compliance throughout all phases.

• Pocahontas County Multi-Community Broadband Initiative (SLFRF-funded) - Led

comprehensive fiber network design and engineering across four rural communities (Marlinton,

Hillsboro, Slatyfork, Valley Head), managing end-to-end project development from field

reconnaissance and pole data collection through final engineering design and regulatory

compliance preparation. Directed all technical aspects of route design, make-ready engineering,

and stakeholder coordination, delivering construction-ready packages to contractors while

ensuring full permitting support and regulatory alignment.UII Field Engineering Technician Team Lead

Orbital Engineering, Inc. – Pittsburgh, PA

October 2021 – August 2024

As a Utility Infrastructure Improvement Field Technician Team Lead, I played a critical role in

executing broadband and power infrastructure modernization projects across Pennsylvania, Ohio,

Maryland, and West Virginia. I collaborated with and led teams on key initiatives for utility and

communications clients including FirstEnergy subsidiaries (MonPower, Potomac Edison, Penelec, West

Penn Power), Appalachian Electric Power (AEP), Duquesne Light, and major broadband providers such

as Comcast, Frontier, Shentel, LUMOS, DQE, Armstrong, and Windstream communication.

Technical Field Duties:

• Conducted initial pole data surveys and field verification of primary engineered poles to inform

network designs.

• Executed secondary attribute reviews for make-ready engineering, assessing attachment viability,

clearance issues, and equipment compatibility.

• Led re-routing and redesign efforts in the field to overcome environmental or regulatory obstacles

in real time.

• Participated in flagship infrastructure upgrades including FirstEnergy’s Long-Term Infrastructure

Improvement Plan (LTIIP) in Eastern Pennsylvania and Comcast’s multi-phase system

enhancement in Altoona, PA.

• Performed job hazard assessments, utility coordination, and documentation of all planned field

work hazards to meet OSHA and client safety standards.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Supervised cross-state field teams in safe, efficient OSP data collection and utility pole

inspections.

• Trained new employees on company standards, safety practices, and project-specific deliverables

using formal onboarding and field mentorship programs.

• Acted as primary liaison between field crews, Design Engineers, and Project Managers to ensure

real-time alignment and problem-solving.

• Enforced rigorous safety protocols and site-specific hazard prevention practices to

maintain a zero-incident record.Software & Process Expertise:

• Utilized Katapult Pro, SPANS, GIS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite to generate preliminary

routes, perform joint-use analysis, and develop data-driven design solutions.

• Proficient in field-based design capture, redline revisions, pole loading assessment, and

stakeholder reporting using client-driven standards.

Major Project Leadership & Delivery:

• FirstEnergy Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan II (LTIIP II) (2022) -

Led comprehensive field data collection and GIS coordination efforts across Eastern

Pennsylvania, serving as primary liaison between field operations and FirstEnergy's GIS

mapping systems. Conducted systematic location verification, existing infrastructure

assessment, and data accuracy validation to support large-scale utility modernization initiatives.

Coordinated directly with FirstEnergy engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of field-

collected data with corporate GIS databases, maintaining strict accuracy standards for critical

infrastructure planning.

• Comcast Altoona Fiber Design/Engineering Initiative (2022-2024) - Served as Lead

Field Technician for comprehensive multi-phase fiber network development across Altoona, PA,

managing continuous data collection and infrastructure assessment activities spanning three

distinct project phases. Conducted detailed pole surveys, attachment point analysis, and route

feasibility studies to support engineering design teams in developing optimal fiber deployment

strategies. Maintained project continuity across multiple phases while adapting to evolving

technical requirements and regulatory compliance standards.

• Potomac Edison Multi-Provider Rural Broadband & FTTH Implementation

(2022-2024) - Executed specialized as-built documentation and field verification services for

multiple communication providers implementing rural broadband and fiber-to-home solutions

across Potomac Edison's service territory. Utilized One Touch Make Ready (OTMR) processes

to streamline multi-provider coordination, reducing project timelines while maintaining safety

and compliance standards. Coordinated complex attachment scenarios involving multiple

telecommunications providers, ensuring accurate documentation of existing conditions and

proposed modifications for rural and residential fiber deployment projects.

Guest Service Specialist

Courtyard by Marriott Morgantown – Morgantown, WV

January 2019 – December 2020

In this hospitality role, my primary objective was to deliver exceptional customer service and

ensure a consistently high level of guest satisfaction. I firmly believe that customer service is the

cornerstone of any organization, as it directly reflects the company's values through the actions of its

employees. Embracing a culture of service and unwavering commitment to excellence has not only been a

focal point of my professional endeavors but also extends to my everyday life.Bar F&B Guest Experience Manager/Inventory Coordinator

Springhill Suites by Marriott Huntington Beach – Huntington Beach, CA

January 2017 – December 2019

As a Bar Manager, I oversaw bar operations, managed inventory and procurement, and served as

a trusted key-holder for full-service hotel property. I successfully fulfilled a challenging and task-oriented

role. I managed all aspects of bar operations, ensuring high standards of professionalism and customer

service. I implemented strategies that consistently achieved and exceeded sales goals, fostered a

welcoming environment, retained a loyal customer base, and managed inventory, staff, and compliance

with health and safety regulations. I maintained and exceeded a strict adherence of Marriott

International’s extensive and industry-leading high standard for Guest Experience and F&B operations.

Education & Professional Development

Lincoln High School - Shinnston, WV

High School Diploma - Member of National Honor Society

September 2011 – June 2015

Fairmont State University - Fairmont, WV

Studied Business Management / Requisite Courses Completed

September 2015 - January 2017

Project Management Institute (PMI.org)

Currently Holding 24.50 Professional Development Units (PDUs) for 2025

May 2025 - Present Technical Expertise & Leadership

Technical Engineering Competencies:

• Pole Loading Analysis & Pole Line Engineering

• Fiber Network Design & Proposed Route Engineering

• Quality Control Inspection & Final Deliverables Review

• NESC Regulations Training & Compliance

• Make Ready Engineering & Assessment

• New Pole Line Engineering & Design

• Staking Procedures & Pole Loading Analysis

Software & Technology Proficiencies:

• Katapult Pro Maps, GIS, SPANS, Google Drive, Microsoft Office

• FirstEnergy Standards, Safety Training, Field Survey Management

Project Management & Leadership:

• Training Program Development & Implementation

• Project Coordination, Time Management, Leadership

• Team Training & Development

• Curriculum Design & Assessment

Technical Infrastructure:

• Electrical Design, Cabling, Ethernet, Low Voltage, Networking

• Customer Service, Troubleshooting, and Team Communication

Professional References

Name: Bryan Denis

Job title: Design OSP Engineer, OSP Engineering Division

Company: CityNet Telecommunications

Phone: (304) 629-1518

Email: bryan.denis@citynet.net

Professional Relationship: Client Engineering Liaison & Project Lead for Rural Broadband Expansion

BEAD/SLFRF Projects (2024-Present)

Name: Alex Yesenczki

Job title: Field Technician Team Lead, Utility Infrastructure Improvement Division

Company: Orbital Engineering Inc.

Phone: (304) 559-5503

Email: ayesenczki@orbitalengr.com

Professional Relationship: Utility Infrastructure Improvement Colleague (2021-2024)

Name: Christopher D. Strait

Job Title: Field Technician Team Lead, Utility Infrastructure Improvement Division

Email: Orbital Engineering Inc.

Phone: (304) 639-2458

Email: cstrait@orbitalengr.com

Professional Relationship: Utility Infrastructure Improvement Colleague (2021-2024)

Name: Dustin R. Lively

Job title: Environmental Technician I , Environmental Department

Company: The Thrasher Group, Inc.

Phone: (304) 641-2313

Email: dlively@thethrashergroup.com

Professional Relationship: Professional Development Colleague and Project Permit Coordinator (2024-

Present)

Certifications and Licenses

Safety & Compliance:

• OSHA 10 - Red Vector - #29-006249444 - Issued Sep. 2024

• WV Driver's License #F673799 - Issued July 2013

Project Management Institute (PMI) Certifications:

• Introduction to Cognitive Project Management in AI (CPMAI)™ - Issued May 6, 2025

• Generative AI Overview for Project Managers - Issued May 5, 2025 Leadership Development & Recognition

American Legion West Virginia Mountaineer Boys State Program - Alumni

July 2014 – Present

Selected by out local leaders in the American Legion as one of only three students to represent

my high school in this distinguished civil leadership program, I ran as a state senate candidate and was

elected by my peers to serve as a Student State Senator during a weeklong civic simulation and was sent

from the WV Boys State Camp in Weston to the sit in session at the West Virginia State Capitol Building.

This immersive experience in bill drafting, debate, and policy decision-making, and finally law making

sparked a lifelong commitment to my state encouraging public service, strategic planning, and

infrastructure development. It was here that I first understood the profound impact of local leadership and

the importance of systems that serve the greater good—principles that continue to guide my career in

project management, utility infrastructure improvement, and broadband development in my home state.

International Thespian Society Troupe 1008 – Ensemble Member & Statewide Award-

Winning Performer

Active 2011-2015

As a dedicated four-year member of the International Thespian Society active during my

high school career with Lincoln High School Troupe 1008, I immersed myself in all aspects of

performance, production, and ensemble collaboration. By my junior year, our troupe earned top

honors by winning First Place in the West Virginia State Thespian Competition, outperforming

every participating high school across the state. I was also individually recognized as Best

Supporting Actor, selected from among all performers statewide—a performance held at the

historic Capitol Theatre, directly across from the WV State Legislature. This experience honed

my skills in discipline, timing, team cohesion, and public presence—qualities that continue to

fuel my leadership approach in professional environments.

Professional Profiles

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