Wireless RF Technician Trainee - (Fairbanks, AK)

About the role

GCI's Wireless RF Technician Trainee will perform 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. The role contributes to all aspects of delivering quality service to the company’s customers and supports other departments' efforts to improve customer experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Support 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

This is a trainee 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.

Competencies

• 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. 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 a trainee 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Upon hire will be required to obtain and maintain tower climber certification.
• At least six (6) months of telecommunications, technical, or customer service experience.
• Associate’s degree in electronics, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training.
• Prior certification as a tower climber.
• Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

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.
• 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.
• Clear visual acuity is necessary to identify, inspect, observe, and assess details at near, mid, and far ranges.
• 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.
• Must complete and remain a certified tower climber in this role.
• Work performed below overhead construction and in trenches to 10 feet in depth.
• Tasks performed around high-power electrical conductors and gas lines.
• 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.