Network Maintenance & Construction Technician I

GCI Communication Corp.; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus of $2,500

Job summary

GCI Communication Corp. in Anchorage, Alaska, is seeking a Network Maintenance & Construction Technician I to provide excellent customer service while handling telecommunications installations and maintenance.

This entry-level position involves troubleshooting, heavy machinery operation, and adherence to safety protocols. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and relevant telecom experience.

Qualifications

• Customer-focused with strong technical explanations to various stakeholders.
• Experience in telecommunications or related field of at least four years.
• Certification in NAZ power safety training required.

Responsibilities

• Install and service telecommunications solutions efficiently.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues.
• Lead quality control initiatives during construction.

Skills

Customer service

Heavy machinery operation

Cable splicing

Equipment maintenance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Electronics

Tools

Signal level meters

AC/DC power test equipment

Optical reflectometers

Job description

Job Description

$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.

• 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 troubleshoot and resolve 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.

Essential Duties at All Levels

• Execute and support aerial and underground projects, including cable installation, relocation, and maintenance, while strictly adhering to safety protocols and construction standards.
• Operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, trenchers, and excavators for excavation, foundation laying, and construction tasks.
• Lead quality control initiatives during construction and repair phases, ensuring all work aligns with operational standards for signal processing and infrastructure integrity.
• Oversee and perform excavation work to facilitate cable installations and restore sites to their original condition with minimal disruption.
• Perform precise splicing of copper, fiber optic, and coaxial cables for new construction and repair efforts.
• Provide comprehensive support for submarine cable systems, performing power safety assurance, OTDR testing, and documented repair procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on AC/DC power supplies, including battery replacements and generator deployment when necessary.
• Safely trim trees and remove wooden poles to prevent interference with aerial lines and maintain network integrity.
• Implement effective traffic control measures during construction, excavation, or road-based operations; maintain flagger certification as required.
• Operate heavy vehicles to transport materials and equipment; ensure compliance with commercial driving regulations.
• Assist in sourcing equipment and materials essential for construction and repair, focusing on Harmonic Fiber Transport systems.
• Perform field engineering tasks, including troubleshooting system issues, responding to alarms, and replacing failed equipment.
• Maintain uninterrupted operation of RF, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, and HFC networks through regular maintenance, testing, and monitoring.
• Provide guidance to junior technicians by assisting with advanced tasks and offering mentorship on installation, testing, and repair of telecommunications systems.

Competencies

• Accountability – takes responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; maintains accountability for vehicles, inventory, documentation, and safety protocols.
• Basic Principles – engages with others to foster trust, respect, and confidence; follows the company’s Code of Conduct and upholds core ethical principles.
• Collaboration – works well with others to achieve shared objectives; sustains positive relationships even in challenging situations.
• Communication – effectively conveys thoughts and ideas; articulates technical information clearly in written and electronic reports.
• Customer‑Focused Technical Explanations – confers technical concepts to customers, contractors, utility workers, and colleagues in a clear and concise manner.
• Compliance – adheres to internal controls and safeguards company and customer confidentiality.
• Customer Focus – prioritizes delivering excellent service and building strong relationships with customers.
• Reliability – consistently follows through on assigned tasks and responsibilities; attends meetings and training on time.
• Results – combines job knowledge, initiative, sound judgment, and problem‑solving skills to deliver results; organizes assignments to maximize efficiency.
• Safety & Security – supports a safe working environment by adhering to safety guidelines and complying with security protocols.
• Technical Proficiency – demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency with MS Office tools and industry‑specific programs for monitoring and troubleshooting.

Additional Job Requirements

This entry‑level position focuses on outside network maintenance and offers opportunities to enhance job knowledge and skills through certification, education, and training alongside experienced technicians. The role supports senior technicians by developing foundational routine preventive and corrective maintenance, including repairs to field and network facilities that deliver video, voice, data, and wireless services. The position provides general instructions on routine tasks, with detailed guidance for new assignments, and requires close supervision and regular reviews by senior staff.

Additional Competencies

• Knowledge of NEC, NESC, OSHA, FCC and company rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of routine maintenance procedures for review, surveillance, and construction operations across various network types.
• Knowledge of signal ingress/egress preventive and corrective maintenance and splicing techniques.
• Knowledge of electronic fundamentals and mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of video, voice, data, baseband, and optical signal delivery.
• Knowledge of company products, services and features offered for video, voice, and data services.
• Knowledge of related field equipment such as signal level meters, AC/DC power test equipment, optical reflectometers, cable locators, and leakage detection equipment.
• Knowledge of telephone/RF standards, safety codes and terminology for residential installations and repairs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Four (4) years of experience in a technical telecommunications role or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in heavy equipment operation and excavation.
• At least two years of experience in cable splicing.
• At least two years of experience in power supply maintenance.
• At least two years of experience in the installation, reconfiguration, and maintenance of fiber optic transport equipment.
• At least two years of experience in aerial and underground construction, including cable fault location testing.
• Certification in NAZ power safety training or must obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to successfully complete required certifications and training courses within designated timeframes (Defensive Driving, Company Online Installer, Pole Climbing, AK DOT Bucket Truck, AK DOT approved Flagger Certification).
• Must possess a current passport or obtain one upon hiring.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Electronics or a 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 a personal vehicle on behalf of the company; must possess a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and complete Defensive Driving course.
• May need 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.
• Must cope with remote arctic environment and adverse weather and driving conditions.
• Requires balance, coordination, and strength to ascend, descend, and work atop poles, towers, and ladders safely.
• 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, hot and/or cold.
• May encounter unrestrained animals or pets.
• Daily moving, traversing, and positioning self on varied uneven or unstable surfaces.
• 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.
• Requires dexterity and coordination to operate hand tools and to connect, separate, and twist multiple smaller items daily.
• Requires visual acuity to identify, inspect, observe, and assess details at near, mid, and far ranges.
• Requires ability to distinguish colors for driving and identifying cables and safety signage.
• Requires auditory acuity to distinguish equipment signals and human voice in noisy environments.
• Must tolerate temperature and weather extremes found in the Alaskan environment.
• Must be able to work shifts as assigned, work in a standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Must be able to make valid judgments and decisions.
• Must be available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
• Must work well in a team environment and with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Travel may be required to perform work in other systems throughout the state.
• Must participate in DOT or non‑DOT drug and alcohol testing program as required.
• May need to pass a pre‑employment or return‑to‑work physical and fitness for duty examination.

EEO Statement

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.