Network Maint. & Const. Tech I ON SITE - (Barrow, AK)

$2,500 Hiring Bonus! GCI's Network Maintenance & Construction Technician I will represent the company by providing outstanding customer service to current and prospective clients exploring our products and services, including those interested in upgrades or expansions.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional and efficient installations and servicing of telecommunications solutions, including video, high-speed data, and voice products, in both residential and commercial settings.
• Oversee system-wide maintenance and quality control of network signal processing, proactively troubleshooting and resolving issues such as transmission discrepancies, signal loss, interference, and equipment malfunctions.
• Conduct comprehensive network analysis and maintain headend systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Safeguard the integrity of outside plant infrastructure, ensuring reliability and efficiency in service delivery.
• Aerial & Underground Construction Operations: Execute and support aerial and underground projects, cable installation, relocation, and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure while adhering to safety protocols and construction standards.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: Operate backhoes, trenchers, and excavators for excavation, foundation laying, and construction tasks.
• Ensure compliance with Alyeska badging requirements and mandatory random drug screenings.
• Quality Assurance & Operational Acceptance: Lead quality control initiatives during construction and repair phases to align work with operational standards for signal processing and infrastructure integrity.
• Excavation & Restoration: Oversee and perform excavation work to facilitate cable installations and restore sites to original condition with minimal disruption.
• Cable Splicing (Copper, Fiber, Coax): Perform precise splicing of copper, fiber optic, and coaxial cables for new construction and repair, upholding high workmanship standards.
• Submarine Cable Operations Support: Support submarine cable systems, perform power safety assurance per optical safety and NAZ requirements, conduct OTDR testing to identify faults, and, when necessary, board vessels as an on-site operations observer.
• Power Supply Maintenance: Maintain and repair AC/DC power supplies, including battery replacements, install power equipment for new deployments, respond to power outages, and deploy generators as needed.
• Tree Trimming & Pole Removal: Trim trees and remove wooden poles to prevent interference with aerial lines and maintain network integrity.
• Flagger Certification & Traffic Control: Implement traffic control during construction, excavation, or road-based operations, maintain flagger certification.
• CDL & Heavy Vehicle Operations: Operate heavy vehicles for material transport, ensure compliance with commercial driving regulations, perform routine vehicle maintenance.
• Procurement & Harmonic Fiber Transport Equipment: Assist in sourcing essential equipment and materials, focusing on Harmonic Fiber Transport systems.
• Field Engineering & Network Support: Perform field engineering tasks, troubleshoot system issues, replace failed equipment, conduct light repairs, and collaborate with vendors and remote support staff.
• Network Continuity & Maintenance: Maintain uninterrupted operation of RF, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, and HFC networks through regular maintenance, testing, and monitoring. Execute balancing, sweeping, and alignment tasks.
• Mentorship & Team Leadership: Guide junior technicians, assist with advanced tasks, and provide mentorship on installation, testing, and repair of telecommunications systems.
• Customer Service & Equipment Installation: Install, service, and troubleshoot telecommunications equipment for analog and digital systems from tap or demarcation points to customer premises.

Competencies

• Accountability: Takes responsibility for actions and outcomes, seeks feedback, and commits to improvement. Maintains accountability for vehicles, inventory, documentation, and safety protocols.
• Basic Principles: Engages with others to foster trust, respect, and confidence; follows GCI’s code of conduct.
• Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve shared objectives and maintains positive relationships.
• Communication: Effectively conveys technical information clearly, especially during system outages or damage assessments.
• Customer-Focused Technical Explanations: Confidently explains technical concepts to customers, contractors, utility workers, and the public.
• Compliance: Adheres to internal controls, safeguards confidentiality, and applies relevant codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Customer Focus: Prioritises excellent service, fosters customer relationships, and ensures fair treatment.
• Reliability: Follows through on tasks, attends meetings and training on time.
• Results: Applies problem-solving skills, organises assignments, and maintains knowledge of cable modem systems, OTN interfaces, troubleshooting methods, and monitoring processes.
• Safety & Security: Supports a safe working environment by following safety guidelines and security protocols.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrates strong computer skills, proficiency with MS Office, and industry-specific programs for signal monitoring.

Additional Job Requirements

This is an entry-level position focused on outside network maintenance. It provides opportunities for certification, education, and training alongside experienced technicians. Supports senior technicians by developing a foundation of routine preventive and corrective maintenance, repairs to field and network facilities, and performing tasks under close supervision.

Essential Duties

• Execute construction, installation, preventive and corrective maintenance, testing, and repair of facilities that provide video, voice, and data services.
• Assess field conditions, conduct tests and measurements to evaluate signal quality.
• Manage semi-routine maintenance tasks, identify deviations, and consult with senior staff.
• Organise daily workloads and employ industry-standard test equipment, hand tools, and heavy machinery.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, including underground cable locating, outage response, rewiring, cabling, and system drive-off repairs.
• Communicate with SMC or Dispatch to update and resolve repair tickets efficiently.
• Assist with new installations and promptly address incident tickets to ensure timely service delivery.
• Verify accuracy of written work orders, discrepancies, collect payments, and ensure documentation is updated.
• Escalate complex issues to appropriate department or management team.
• Collaborate with senior technicians to respond to outages and perform other required duties.
• Mentor and train less experienced technicians.
• Design test fixtures, analyse results, and document testing performed on components.

Additional Competencies

• Knowledge and application of NEC, NESC, OSHA, FCC and company rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance procedures for radio frequency, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, wireless, wireline, and HFC networks.
• Knowledge of signal ingress/egress preventive and corrective maintenance, coaxial and fiber cable splicing, outage restoration, system design calculations, and network installation and activation.
• Knowledge of electronic fundamentals, mathematical skills, video, voice, and data signal delivery.
• Knowledge of related field equipment: signal level meters, AC/DC power test equipment, optical, time, and frequency domain reflectometers, underground cable locators, and leakage detection equipment.
• Knowledge of telephone/RF standards, safety codes, and terminology related to service orders and repair tickets.
• Knowledge of GCI products, services, and features or equivalent industry experience.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a technical telecommunications role or related field, including at least two (2) years of heavy equipment operation and excavation, two (2) years of cable splicing, two (2) years of power supply maintenance, two (2) years of mandatory installation, reconfiguration, and maintenance of fiber optic transport equipment, and two (2) years of aerial and underground construction with cable fault location testing.
• Certification Requirements: Must be certified in NAZ power safety training or obtain certification within one (1) year of hire. May be required to complete specific certifications and training courses within a designated timeframe, such as Defensive Driving, Company Online Installer, Pole Climbing, AK DOT Bucket Truck, and AK DOT approved Flagger Certification.

Travel Requirements

Must possess a current passport or obtain one upon hiring.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Electronics or related field, completion of a telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training.
• Telecommunications experience.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job-specific certifications.

Driving Requirements

Requires driving a company-owned vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a satisfactory driving record. Must complete a 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 indoor and outdoor conditions, typical cold weather, adverse weather and driving. Must handle remote Arctic environments. Requires balance, coordination, and strength for poles, towers, ladders, and crane work up to 40 feet, and trenches up to 10 feet deep. Tasks involve proximity to high-power electrical conductors and gas lines in cramped, dusty, damp, hot, or cold environments. Must move up to 70-pound loads occasionally, 50-pound more regularly, and 20-pound frequently. Visual acuity necessary to identify colors and cable components. Auditory acuity needed to distinguish equipment signals from background noise. Must tolerate temperature extremes and extreme environments. Required flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and on-call. Availability for emergency after-hours contact numbers is required. Must pass DOT or non-DOT drug and alcohol testing, pre-employment physical fitness examination, and potentially a CDL.

Culture, Engagement, and Connection

At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities 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 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.