Technician I, Wireless RF

GCI's Wireless RF Technician I is r esponsible 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 of All Levels in the Position:

• Perform installation, adjustment, advanced troubleshooting and repair of wireless RF transmission lines, antennas and other cell site 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of RF propagation principles and concepts such as UMTS/HSPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/EVDO, LTE, and microwave; preferred.

• Knowledge of RF safety regulations and requirements for working in and around RF hazardous areas.

• Organizational skills and ability to communicate/interact with customers, subcontractors, vendors, technicians, and other team personnel.

• Ability to work in stressful situations and maintain focus on proper troubleshooting and maintenance procedures in a time sensitive manor.
• Mentor junior technicians and work effectively with peers and other groups within the company for the benefit of our customers.
• Demonstrated computer skills required including knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook; required.
• Demonstrated computer skills with Linux, Unix, Cisco IOS, command line interface, Secure Shell, and File Transfer Protocol; preferred.

• Thorough understanding of safe work practices when working at heights and fall protection requirements.
• Required to follow company and OSHA guidelines for safe work practices.
• Working knowledge of basic electronics; preferred.
• Up to 20% travel statewide
• Physical ability to safely climb with tools and work on Radio Tower structures occasionally up to 500 feet. Typical work environment is below 200 feet; preferred.
  

Certifications: Industry specific certifications are highly valued and may contribute toward education. Prior certification as a tower climber is preferred. Must complete and remain a certified tower climber in this role.

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 for this position:

40% 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 t ower lighting systems. Provide technical support for technicians in remote locations, to include phone, command line interface, remedy ticket maintenance, and workflow.

15% Operate test equipment to perform corrective tasks related to the transmission tower, antennas, coaxial cabling, grounding, and other systems as required.

15% 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.

10% Maintain compliance of documentation, company, safety, and regulatory policies

10% 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.

10% 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.

Technical Knowledge:

• Knowledge of RF propagation principles and concepts such as UMTS/HSPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/EVDO, LTE, and microwave; preferred.

• Knowledge of RF safety regulations and requirements for working in and around RF hazardous areas.
• Demonstrated computer skills required including knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook; required.
• Demonstrated computer skills with Linux, Unix, Cisco IOS, command line interface, Secure Shell, and File Transfer Protocol; preferred.
  

Years of Experience required to meet minimum qualifications: Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a field operations telecommunications industry of which one (1) year in the wireless telecommunications, wireless site construction or related field is required.

Level of Education required to meet minimum qualifications : High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates Degree in electronics, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training required. Or 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.

Because GCI is a Federal contractor subject to Executive Order 14042, all GCI employees are required to be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. GCI will consider requests for accommodation if an individual’s medical condition, disability, or sincerely held religious belief prohibits receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Position reports to: Manager, Wireless RAN Operations

Physical Requirements : Technical Position: Ability to lift and carry up to (50) lbs. and work in cramped spaces and at heights. Required to follow all Safety Standards appropriate to the position. Hearing, vision, depth perception, and hand-to-eye coordination sufficient to perform job duties. Visual and auditory acuity necessary to operate equipment and identify color-coding. 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.) Strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform job duties. A successful pre-employment fitness for duty examination will be required to hold this position.

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 of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client.

Working Conditions : Overtime, shift work, and 7X24 on call required. Driving will be necessary. The environment is a telecommunications cellular site or switch center. Standing, climbing, bending, standing on ladder, and talking on phone for long hours sometimes required. Ability and willingness to safely work at heights up to 200 feet, required.

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 normal business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. You will be requested to provide an emergency after hours contact numbers.

Driving Requirements (if applicable) : Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.

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.

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 qualification required of employees assigned to this job.