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Kansas City, where this office is located, was Google Fiber's first market. The company has begun advertising for jobs in Portland even though it says it's still deciding whether to build here.

( Julie Denesha/Bloomberg)

Google Fiber has begun posting jobs for its prospective network in the Portland area – though the company reiterated it's still evaluating whether to build one, and the postings are merely preparation in case it decides to go ahead.

"We're exploring interest and talent for the opportunity in advance," read job listings posted earlier this week. "If a metro area qualifies, you will be responsible for one or multiple cities in that area. You will assume a key role to lead and build the local team and market."

The company has posted nearly identical positions in San Antonio, where it's also considering expansion. Google Fiber spokeswoman Jenna Wandres said similar postings will go up soon for seven additional cities where the company has indicated it may build.

If it proceeds, the company will likely hire hundreds of contractors to install miles and miles of fiber-optic cable around the metro area. For now, though, it's posted just two leadership positions. Here's what Google Fiber is looking for:

City manager

Community impact manager

Google Fiber announced in February it's considering expanding its high-speed Internet and cable TV service to parts of Portland and five suburbs – Gresham, Tigard, Beaverton, Lake Oswego and Hillsboro. The prospect of a rival to existing Internet and cable services has created an online frenzy of excitement in the region.

The Portland City Council votes June 11 on a prospective franchise agreement with the company, which says it will serve portions of each city where a critical mass of residents commit to subscribing. Some parts of each city will therefore go without service, even if Google proceeds with its construction plan.

Google Fiber says it will evaluate each market for topography, regulatory hurdles and other potential obstacles before deciding whether or not to build.

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699