Job Details

Job Description

Technician roles (except trainee roles) are eligible for a $2,500 Hiring Bonus for new hires!

*This position will be traveling 75% of the time throughout rural Alaska

GCI's Network Maintenance Technician I represent the company's service philosophy by assisting customers who have purchased and are using company products and services and/or are considering purchasing, upgrading or expanding their products and services. Provide telecommunications installation and servicing of Video, high speed Data, and Voice product lines within customer residences and business properties in an efficient and professional manner Provide system wide oversight, maintenance, repair, and quality control of network signal processing. Troubleshoot and repair problems with transmission levels, signal losses, off-air interference, and equipment failures to included network analysis, headend, and outside plant maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

• Construct, maintain, and repair network facilities, systems, cabling including equipment and related components involved in signal processing, amplification, and transmission.
• Perform preventative or corrective maintenance, such as underground cable locates, outage response, rewiring or upgrading cabling and equipment, impairment mitigation, system drive off and repairs.
• Utilize test equipment to measure adjust signal strength to ensure optimum reception.
• Perform routine maintenance, surveillance, and construction operations on all radio frequency, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, wireless, wireline, HFC networks, facilities, and related components providing video, voice, and data services.
• Complete routine balancing, aligning, sweeping, proof of performance, and required compliance adjustments of components and equipment used to amplify and process signals.
• Monitor and support critical network elements to maintain the continuous operation of network and system infrastructure.
• Carry out assigned construction activities in support of new plant construction, rebuilds, and existing plant upgrades adhering to applicable construction codes and safety regulations.
• Dig holes, lay foundation, place poles, lay cable, and unreel, pull, and string wire from pole to pole.
• Dismantle, move, or remove aerial, underground, or building wire, cable equipment, poles, and hardware. Install and replace power supplies, converters, and terminal boxes. Operate heavy-duty power equipment and hand tools.
• Support senior staff technicians and mentor junior technicians with install, test, and repair of custom service orders.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot telecommunications equipment including analog or digital systems for video, voice, and data services from the tap or demark location to the customer's home or office.
• Responsible for basic vehicle maintenance, truck stock, and following the company's safe driving and other applicable policies.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
  • Ability to maintain financial accountability for vehicles, inventory (i.e., test equipment), paperwork, and safety procedures to minimize claims.
• 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 articulate technical information clearly and concisely in written and electronic follow-up reports and work orders regarding system damages and outages, complete written and electronic route sheets.
  • Ability to verbally communicate technical information to customers, contractors, utility workers, fellow employees, and the general public in an effective manner appropriate with all levels of understanding.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects company and customer confidential information; abides by GCI's Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
  • Ability to interpret and accurately apply applicable codes, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to develop positive rapport with customers; demonstrate fair and equitable treatment of fellow employees and customers.
• 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 organize assignments, equipment, and routing to maximize productivity.
  • Familiar with cable modem systems to include any OTN interface devices, troubleshooting techniques, and monitoring.
  • Ability to read and understand system design and city street maps.
  • Ability to operate issued monitoring and test equipment.
  • Ability to operate and interpret data from applicable test equipment required to perform installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • Ability to maintain working knowledge of the Company's products, services and features offered for video, voice, and data services.
• 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.
  • Ability to use industry specific programs that track signal leakage, outages, system monitoring, etc.

Level Definition

Position Title: Network Maintenance Technician I

Grade: T05

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an entry level position within the telecommunications field outside network maintenance discipline attaining additional job knowledge and competency through the company's certifications, education, and training with higher-level technicians. Supports senior technicians through a general understanding of routine preventative and corrective network maintenance, repairs to field and network facilities, and plant providing video, voice, data, and wireless services. Demonstrates proficiency in and working knowledge of several areas of plant systems and working knowledge of several areas of construction. Receives general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments. Work is closely supervised and reviewed for timeliness, accuracy, and correct procedures by senior staff.

Essential Duties:

Use basic work knowledge and ability to:

• Perform construction, installation, routine preventative, and corrective maintenance, testing, and repairs of facilities providing video, voice, and data services.
• Evaluate field conditions, perform tests and measurements to determine signal quality.
• Handle semi-routine maintenance duties, problems, and repairs, recognize deviations from accepted practices and confirm appropriate next steps with senior staff.
• Organize daily workload and perform work utilizing industry standard test equipment, hand tools, and heavy equipment to install, maintain, or repair services and facilities.
• Perform preventative or corrective maintenance, underground cable locates, outage response, rewiring or upgrading facilities, cabling, and equipment, impairment mitigation, system drive off, and repairs.

• Communicate with SMC or Dispatch to update and complete repair or trouble tickets.
• Assist with new installations and trouble tickets in a timely manner.
• Verify accuracy of written work order, confirm discrepancies, collect payments and customer signatures, ensures all documentation is updated in a timely manner.
• Escalate more complex issues as needed to the appropriate department, or management team.

• Work with senior technicians and respond to outages or other duties as required.
• Guide and train less experienced technicians.
• Design test fixtures, analyze test results, and document tests performed on components.

Additional Competencies:

• Knowledge of and ability to accurately interpret and apply NEC, NESC, OSHA, FCC and company rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance procedures, surveillance, and construction operations including radio frequency, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, wireless, wireline, HFC networks, facilities, and related components providing video, voice, and data services
• Knowledge of signal ingress/egress preventative and corrective maintenance requirements, coaxial and fiber cable splicing and facility locating, outage restoration, system design calculations, network installation, activation, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of electronic fundamentals and mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of video, voice, and data, baseband, and optical signal delivery.
• Knowledge in the operation of related field equipment signal level meters, AC/DC power test equipment including optical, time, and frequency domain reflectometers, underground cable locators, and leakage detection equipment.
• Knowledge of telephone/RF standards, safety codes and terminology as it relates to service orders, repairs tickets, and materials for residential installations and repair desired.
• Knowledge of Company products, services and features offered for video, voice, and data services or demonstrated background with industry equivalents.

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.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a technical telecom role or related background. *
• Upon hire may be required to successfully complete certifications and courses within a defined period, e.g., Defensive Driving, Company on-line Installer, Pole Climbing, AK DOT Bucket Truck, AK DOT approved Flagger Certification.

Preferred:

• Associate degree in electronics or relevant field, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training.
• Telecommunications experience.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

Required at ALL Levels
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.
• May be required to obtain a commercial driver's license within six (6) months of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work includes working inside/outside in typical cold weather conditions.
• Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions; must be able to cope with a remote arctic environment.
• High degree of balance, coordination, and strength needed to ascend, descend, and work atop poles, towers, and ladders with tools and equipment safely and routinely.
• Work involves heights up to 40 feet on poles, ladders, buckets, or towers up to 250'.
• 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.
• 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, extension ladders, 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.
• Ability to tolerate temperature and weather extremes found in the Alaskan environment (fumes and odors, dust, low light conditions, rain, sleet, snow, hail, wind, temperature extremes.)
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• 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 perform work in other systems throughout the state.

• 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 the 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 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. 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.

About Us

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.