GCI's Trainee Wireless RF Technician 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

This is an entry level position within the GCI Network Operations group as a Wireless RF Technician Trainee. This position supports senior technicians, executing basic equipment installations, testing, and Operational Site Acceptance. Learn how to use and operate multiple types of test equipment, Software Tools, and travel to various locations throughout Alaska with various types of Accessibility.  Position requires to attend and successfully complete tower climbing training and be able to perform basic installation and repairs while working at heights.

Trainee position will gain basic understanding of cell site installation, modifications, repairs, and test procedures. Upon successful completion of experience qualifications, knowledge test written and physical. 

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, including phone, command line interface, Cherwell ticket maintenance, and workflow.

With oversight/coaching by more senior level technicians:

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.

With oversight/coaching by more senior level technicians:

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 meets all federal FAA and FCC guidelines and requirements. Perform daily operational checks on all cell site RF and associated equipment. Maintain compliance of documentation, company, safety, and regulatory policies. Perform progression training comprised of written, face to face, vendor, and on the job training.

COMPETENCIES

Demonstrated commitment to GCI’s core values of 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. 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.  COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; adheres to GCI policies and procedures regarding proprietary information; protects internal and external customer and company 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. 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.  DECISION MAKING: Uses sound, logical judgment based on department and company policy and procedures, data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action. Computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to use the company intranet. 

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. Must complete and remain a certified tower climber in this role.

Preferred:

Six (6) months’ work history, telecommunications, technical, or customer service experience. Associates Degree in electronics, telecommunications trade school or equivalent training.  Prior certification as a tower climber.  Other telecom industry specific certifications and/or job specific certifications. 

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 up to 200 feet safely and routinely.  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 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 areas can be cramped, dark, dusty, damp, wet, stuffy, sticky, smelly, hot and/or cold.  Must be able and willing to work flexible hours including, but not limited to, overtime, 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: A pre-employment drug test and/or participation in an ongoing random drug or alcohol testing program may be required to satisfy conditions the 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 on 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.