Technician roles (except trainee roles) are eligible for a $2,500 Hiring Bonus for new hires! GCI's Wireless RF Technician I is 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 with oversight by more senior level technicians. The Wireless RF Technician is expected to perform duties with moderate supervision while contributing 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: Perform installation, adjustment, advanced troubleshooting and repair of wireless RF transmission lines, antennas and other cell sites or transport related equipment throughout Urban and Rural wireless markets. Operate test equipment to perform corrective tasks related to the transmission tower, antennas, coaxial cabling, grounding, and other systems as required. Provide support to Engineers in field related aspects for network optimization projects. Maintain compliance regarding documentation, company, safety, and regulatory policies. Perform site audits for cells sites to ensure existing and new installs are within specifications and that preventive maintenance is in accordance with GCI’s wireless preventive maintenance procedures.

 

COMPETENCIES: Demonstrated commitment to GCI’s Basic Principles, Mission Statement, Declaration of Principles and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by promoting and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees and contractors, and in interactions with customers, vendors, and the public. ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. 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. Organizational skills and ability to communicate/interact with customers, subcontractors, vendors, technicians, and other team 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. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. 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 database or equivalent. 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. Required to follow company and OSHA guidelines for safe work practices. Thorough understanding of safe work practices when working at heights and fall protection requirements.

 

Level Definition

Position Title: Wireless RF Technician I

Grade: T05

 

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an entry level position within the Wireless Network Operations group as a Wireless RF Technician.  Must have a basic understanding of cell site, installation, modifications, repairs, and test procedures. Ability to support senior technicians, execute basic equipment installation, test, and turn up working under close supervision. The position will be responsible for performing basic troubleshooting, optimization, upgrades, and maintenance 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 with oversight by more senior level technicians.

 

Essential Duties:

With oversight/coaching by more senior level technicians 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, to include phone, command line interface, Cherwell ticket maintenance, and workflow. Operate test equipment to perform corrective tasks related to the transmission tower, antennas, coaxial cabling, grounding, and other systems as required. 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. Maintain compliance of documentation, company, safety, and regulatory policies. Perform site audits of Cell Sites and towers within the company’s network 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/FCC documentation, lighting systems, access, and risk assessment information database. Coordinate with Management and Regulatory parties to ensure the company’s Tower network is meeting all federal FAA and FCC guidelines and requirements.

Perform daily operational checks on all cell site RF and associated equipment. Perform progression training comprised of written, face to face, vendor, and on the job training.

 

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 two (2) years’ experience in a field operations telecommunications industry. * Including one (1) year in wireless telecommunications, wireless site construction or related field.

 

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. Other telecom industry or job specific certifications. 

 

Required at ALL Levels

 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   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.   Travel may be required to assist other systems personnel.

 

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.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: : At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity 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.