GCI' Wireless RF Technician IV 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.

This Technician role is eligible for a $2,500 Hiring Bonus for new hires! 

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 IV 

Grade: T08

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an advanced level position within the wireless Network Operations group. Ability to support senior technicians, execute equipment installation/replacement, test and turn up working under minimal supervision with latitude for independent judgement. Required to be fully proficient within the discipline and have a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications technology, Network systems, installation, modifications, and test procedures. Ability to support management, senior technicians, and mentor junior technicians.  Is considered the SME on site; works under minimal supervision with latitude for independent judgement. 

Essential Duties:

  Mentor and train junior technicians; Troubleshoot and repairs all cell site equipment, including replacement of electronics parts, RF connectors and works closely with transport technicians to expedite circuit repairs. Perform installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of wireless RF transmission lines, antennas and other cell site or transport related equipment throughout Urban 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. Works closely with RF Engineering and RAN Operations departments to support network optimization projects. Performs site redlines to verify contractor quality of work and standards compliance. Perform corrective and preventative maintenance of cell sites, microwave, and power systems, which involves the emergency generator, batteries, AC units, towers, locks fences, coax cabling/connectors, etc. Work effectively with other technicians, engineers, and vendors to resolve system problems and customer complaints. Provide technical support for technicians in remote locations, to include phone, command line interface, Cherwell ticket maintenance, and workflow.   Performs daily operational checks on all cell site RF and associated equipment. Performs KPI analysis to determine the existence of possible external and/or internal interference and performs corrective maintenance; collaborates with RF engineering to develop design changes if necessary.   Support SMC staff by interfacing regularly to report on network outages, and any work being performed.   Updates daily logs with site-specific information; and maintains system documentation. Inspects and maintains building grounding systems.   Provide field support for new cell construction, equipment installation, cell turn up, and cell optimization as needed.   Perform progression training comprised of written, face to face, vendor, and on the job training.

Additional Competencies:

Knowledge of RF safety regulations and requirements for working in and around RF hazardous areas.  Advanced electrical theory  Advanced RF theory  Advanced theory of T1, IP, Fiber, and Microwave  Advanced Antenna line sweep and PIM theory and interpretation  Advanced knowledge of CLI to include Linux and other Vendor software.  RF interference mitigation  Telcordia  HVAC Maintenance  Commercial power and current NEC  Ability to operate and interpret the results of PIM testers, FDR, OTDR, BERT, IP Network testers, multi-meters, and power analyzers.

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 nine (9) years’ experience in a field operations telecommunications industry. * Including six (6) years 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. 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. 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.