Wireless RF Technician I (Fairbanks, AK)

$2,500 Hiring Bonus! GCI's Wireless RF Technician I will be responsible for performing advanced troubleshooting, optimization, upgrades, commissioning, maintenance and repair of Wireless RF transmission lines, antennas, and cell site or transport related equipment for the Wireless GSM/CDMA/UMTS/LTE Radio Access Network (RAN) and Microwave network. Contributes to all aspects of delivering quality service to the company’s customers and supports other departments’ efforts to improve customer experience. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

 

• Complete basic equipment installations, testing, and Operational Site Acceptance.
• Perform installation, adjustment, advanced troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of Wireless RF transmission lines, antennas, and other cell site or transport related equipment throughout urban and rural wireless markets, including but not limited to:
  • Microwave, tower mounted radios, cellular antennas, TMA’s, fiber cabling, DC power, FAA warning beacons, and tower lighting systems. 
• Provide technical support for technicians in remote locations, including phone, command line interface, Cherwell ticket maintenance, and workflow.

• Use and operate multiple types of test equipment and Software Tools. 
• Operate test equipment to perform corrective tasks related to the transmission tower, antennas, coaxial cabling, grounding, and other systems.
• Provide support to Engineers in field-related aspects for network optimization projects by working and interacting with RF Engineering and optimization support team for pre and post optimization adjustments and statistical analysis.

• Perform site audits of cell sites and towers to ensure existing and new installations are within specifications. 
• Update and maintain daily work & safety logs. 
• Assist with updating and maintaining cell site and tower information including but not limited to inspections, FAA and FCC documentation, lighting systems, access, and risk assessment information database. 
• Coordinate with Management and Regulatory parties to ensure the company’s tower network meets all federal FAA and FCC guidelines and requirements.
• Perform daily operational checks on cell site RF and associated equipment.
• Maintain compliance by ensuring adherence to documentation standards, company policies, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Complete required training comprised of written, online, in person, vendor, and on-the-job training.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
  • Strong desire to succeed and a willingness to take ownership of tasks and projects.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences.
  • Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to routine business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports.
  • Ability to accurately communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner to a range of technical and non-technical audiences, i.e. customers, subcontractors, vendors, technicians, and other personnel.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Ability to work in stressful situations and maintain focus on proper troubleshooting and maintenance procedures in a time sensitive manner. 
  • Knowledge of RF safety regulations and requirements for working in and around RF hazardous areas.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
  • Ability to follow company and OSHA guidelines for safe work practices.
  • Thorough understanding of safe work practices when working at heights and fall protection requirements.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into databases or equivalent.

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an entry level position in the discipline that gains technical knowledge and competence by supporting and working with higher level technicians. Works under the guidance and mentorship of more senior level technicians. Receives detailed instructions on routine work and new assignments. Work is closely supervised and reviewed for timeliness, accuracy, and following correct procedures.

Additional Competencies:

• Demonstrated basic working knowledge and understanding of cell site installation, modifications, repairs, and test procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associates Degree in electronics, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training. *
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a field operations telecommunications industry. *
  • Including a minimum of one (1) year in wireless telecommunications, wireless site construction, or related field.
• Upon hire will be required to obtain and maintain tower climber certification.

Preferred:  

• Demonstrated computer skills with Linux, Unix, Cisco IOS, command line interface, Secure Shell, and File Transfer Protocol. 
• Knowledge of RF propagation principles and concepts such as UMTS/HSPA, CDMA/EVDO, LTE, and microwave.
• Working knowledge of basic electronics.
• Prior certification as a tower climber.
• Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position requires driving a company-owned vehicle, company provided vehicle, or a personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and successfully complete Defensive Driving course.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Travel to various locations throughout Alaska may be required to assist other systems personnel.
• High degree of balance, coordination, and strength needed to ascend, descend, and work atop poles, towers, ladders, and buckets with tools and equipment at heights occasionally up to 500 feet safely and routinely. A typical work environment is below 200 feet. Must complete and remain a certified tower climber in this role.
• Daily moving, traversing, and positioning self on varied uneven or unstable surfaces such as roofs and in trenches, often hampered by weather elements.
• Safely move, transport, position, install, remove, and maneuver equipment and supplies of up to 70-pound loads occasionally, up to 50-pounds more regularly, up to 20 pounds frequently.
• High degree of dexterity and coordination to operate hand tools and to connect, separate, and twist multiple smaller items daily.
• Visual acuity is necessary to identify, inspect, observe, and assess details at near, mid, and far ranges.
• Ability to clearly distinguish colors for driving, identifying cables or other electrical components, and safety signage.
• Auditory acuity necessary to operate equipment; capable of distinguishing between equipment signals and the human voice often amidst background noises, such as wind, rain, and traffic.
• Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions. 
• Ability to tolerate temperature and weather extremes found in the Alaskan arctic environment (fumes and odors, dust, low light conditions, rain, sleet, snow, hail, wind, temperature extremes).
• Work performed below overhead construction and in trenches to 10 feet in depth.
• Tasks performed around high-power electrical conductors and gas lines.
• Work areas can be cramped, dark, dusty, damp, wet, stuffy, sticky, smelly, hot and/or cold. 
• May encounter unrestrained animals/pets.
• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours including, but not limited to, overtime, shift work, on-call, and/or additional time on weekends, holidays, evenings, before or after normal shift hours.
• Drug Testing: Participation in a DOT or non-DOT drug and alcohol testing program may be required to satisfy conditions of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client. This includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return to duty, and follow-up testing.
• Fitness For: Duty: Ability to pass a pre-employment or return to work physical and fitness for duty examination may be required to satisfy conditions of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to an immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.

Headquartered in Alaska with additional locations throughout the U.S., GCI has worked for more than 40 years to deliver communication and technology services to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. GCI is a pioneer in its field, bringing telemedicine and online education capabilities to communities across the state and continuing efforts to connect the Arctic globally as well as providing strong services to consumer and business markets. GCI’s introduction of 1 GIG internet speeds in the state as well as its innovative partnership with Apple are among the countless ways the company has transformed communication and quality of life for Alaskans.

EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or another characteristic protected by law.