Network Maintenance & Construction Technician Trainee

GCI Communication Corp.; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI Communication Corp. in Anchorage, Alaska is seeking a Network Maintenance & Construction Technician Trainee to deliver exceptional customer service and perform installations of telecommunications solutions. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance, troubleshooting network issues, and ensuring optimal signal integrity.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and a minimum of six months experience in a technical field. This trainee-level position provides hands-on training alongside experienced technicians.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months experience in telecommunications or related field.
• Ability to perform basic installation and maintenance tasks.
• Willingness to complete required certifications and training.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outstanding customer service to clients.
• Perform installations and servicing of telecommunications solutions.
• Conduct network analysis to ensure optimal performance.

Skills

Customer Service

Network Analysis

Technical Proficiency

Safety Procedures

Heavy Machinery Operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Telecommunications equipment

Test equipment

Job description

Network Maintenance & Construction Technician Trainee

Candidates must reside within 50 miles of Anchorage, Alaska.

Responsibilities

• Represent the company by delivering outstanding customer service to current and prospective clients, 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 residential and commercial settings.
• Oversee system‑wide maintenance and quality control of network signal processing, proactively troubleshooting and resolving 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 and Responsibilities at All Levels

• Execute and support a variety of 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 to ensure alignment with operational standards for signal processing and infrastructure integrity.
• Oversee excavation work to facilitate cable installations and ensure restoration of sites to their original condition with minimal disruption.
• Perform precise splicing of copper, fiber optic, and coaxial cables for new construction and repair efforts, upholding the highest standards of workmanship.
• Provide support for submarine cable systems, including Power Safety Assurance and OTDR testing, documenting results throughout the repair process.
• Maintain AC/DC power supplies, including battery replacements, and install power equipment and cabling for new deployments; respond to outages and deploy generators as needed.
• Safely trim trees and remove wooden poles to prevent interference with aerial lines.
• 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, ensuring compliance with commercial driving regulations and performing routine vehicle maintenance.
• Assist in sourcing equipment and materials essential for construction and repair, focusing on Harmonic Fiber Transport systems for signal transmission.
• Perform field engineering tasks, troubleshoot system issues, respond to alarms, and replace failed equipment such as cards and chassis; conduct light repairs to maintain core network infrastructure.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of RF, microwave, fiber optic, AC/DC, and HFC networks through regular maintenance, testing, and monitoring; execute balancing, sweeping, and aligning tasks.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot telecommunications equipment, addressing both analog and digital systems for video, voice, and data from tap or demarcation points to customer premises.

Core Competencies

• Accountability – Take responsibility for actions and outcomes, maintaining accountability for vehicles, inventory, documentation, and safety protocols.
• Basic Principles – Foster trust, respect, and confidence while following the company Code of Conduct.
• Collaboration – Work well with others to achieve shared objectives and sustain positive relationships.
• Communication – Convey thoughts and ideas professionally; articulate technical information clearly in reports, work orders, and route sheets.
• Compliance – Adhere to internal controls, safeguarding confidentiality; accurately apply relevant codes, regulations, and policies.
• Customer Focus – Provide excellent service, cultivating strong rapport with customers and ensuring fair treatment.
• Reliability – Follow through on tasks, attend meetings, and attend training on time.
• Results – Organize assignments and tools to maximize efficiency; possess familiarity with cable modem systems, OTN interfaces, and technical design interpretation.
• Safety & Security – Support a safe working environment by following safety guidelines and security protocols.
• Technical Proficiency – Demonstrate strong computer skills and proficiency with MS Office and industry‑specific monitoring tools.

Additional Job Requirements

This trainee-level position focuses on outside network maintenance. Trainees will gain foundational knowledge through certification programs, education, and hands‑on training alongside experienced technicians.

Tasks will be closely supervised, with regular reviews to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and adherence to procedures.

Assignments may cover outside plant, inside plant, outside plant construction, facilities maintenance, and core network maintenance.

Essential Duties

• Perform basic construction, installation, routine preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, testing, and repairs of facilities providing video, voice, and data services.
• Assess field conditions, conduct tests and measurements to evaluate signal quality.
• Manage semi‑routine maintenance tasks, identifying deviations from accepted practices and confirming next steps with senior staff.
• Collaborate closely with technicians on routine tasks and follow detailed instructions for new assignments.
• Organize daily workloads using industry‑standard test equipment, hand tools, and heavy machinery for installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Execute basic preventive and corrective maintenance, including underground cable locating, outage response, rewiring or upgrading facilities, cabling, impairment mitigation, system drive‑off, and repairs.
• Communicate with Dispatch to update repair or trouble tickets efficiently.
• Assist with new installations and address trouble tickets promptly.
• Verify accuracy of work orders, collect payments and customer signatures, and update documentation timely.
• Escalate complex issues to the appropriate department or management as necessary.
• Collaborate with senior technicians to address outages and perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of six (6) months experience in a telecommunications or related technical field.
• Upon hiring, candidates may be required to complete 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.

Preferred

• Telecommunications experience.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job‑specific certifications.

Driving Requirements

• Requires driving a company‑owned vehicle, company‑provided vehicle, or 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 be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Travel & Regulatory Requirements

This position requires travel and/or access to regulated facilities that require compliant identification. Employees must obtain and maintain appropriate identification and, when required, participate in and maintain eligibility through applicable background checks within ninety (90) days of hire.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work inside/outside in typical cold weather conditions and against adverse weather and driving conditions.
• Work up to heights of 40 feet on poles, ladders, buckets, or towers up to 250 feet; work below overhead construction and in trenches to 10 feet in depth.
• Work around high‑power electrical conductors and gas lines; operate in cramped, dark, dusty, damp, wet, or hot environments.
• Safely move, transport, position, install, remove, and maneuver equipment and supplies up to 70 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds more regularly, and 20 pounds frequently.
• Maintain visual and auditory acuity to identify colors, cables, and equipment signals in noisy conditions.
• Endure temperature and weather extremes in the Alaskan environment.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights, and may be called outside core business hours for emergencies.
• Accept periodic drug and alcohol testing and fitness‑for‑duty examinations as required by contract and regulatory obligations.

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.