Tower Technician - Des Moines, Iowa

SBANS SBA Network Services, LLC; Iowa; Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Mental Wellbeing

401(k) retirement plan with company %

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SBA Communications is seeking a Tower Technician to perform construction duties for expedited commercial deployment. You will work under supervision to erect towers, install antennas and grounding, and follow safety protocols. The role requires climbing, physical stamina, and the ability to travel up to 90% of the time.

Two-week Tower U training is provided to teach job duties and safety. A strong teamwork mindset and reliability are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma/GED required or preferred.
• 1+ year of tower climbing experience.
• Ability to read blueprints, details and specifications.
• Knowledge of test equipment (RF sweep gear, PIM, fiber testing) preferred.
• Must be physically able to climb to heights up to 500 feet.
• Domestic travel up to 90% and CMV vehicle operation.
• Valid government-issued driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform tower construction activities including assembling/erecting towers and mounting hardware.
• Install, connect and test grounding systems and antennas.
• Read and interpret Plans, Site Plans and Tower Drawings.
• Plan and mobilize staff and materials to meet schedule.
• Maintain safety practices and perform job-site safety inspections.
• Work with supervision to analyze requirements and address deviations.
• Complete all assigned tasks and support other projects as needed.

Skills

Tower climbing

Read blueprints

RF testing

Anritsu certification

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Tools

Anritsu test equipment

RF sweep gear

PIM testing

Fiber testing

Job description

Build the Backbone of Global Connectivity. Since 1989, SBA Communications has been the solid ground the wireless industry stands on. We don’t just own towers; we keep the world connected. With over 40,000 sites across 10+ countries, we are an S&P 500 company that offers the stability you need in a career. We built this reputation on Integrity—meaning we do the job right, safely, and honestly, single time.

We are looking for problem-solvers who are ready to work. But we don't expect you to know it all on Day 1. That’s why we invest in Tower U, a 2-week hands‑on training program that teaches you the job and the safety protocols you need to succeed. In the field, we rely on your Agility, but you never work alone. Our culture is defined by a "Team First" focus—we watch each other's backs, prioritize safety above all else, and get the job done together. We believe in shared success. At SBA, we invite every team member to think like an owner.

In addition to a competitive salary range, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, financial security, and overall well‑being.

• Financial Wellbeing 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match of a percentage of employee contributions and profit sharing, where applicable
• Equity opportunities, including participation in company equity stock plans, where applicable
• Health and Mental Wellbeing Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions toward coverage
• Paid parental leave and company‑paid life insurance and short‑term and long‑term disability (STD/LTD), where eligible
• Wellness programs and resources, including an employee assistance program and well‑being initiatives
• Personal Growth & Balance Paid time off and company‑paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements, including an allotment of remote workdays per year, depending on the role
• Education assistance and professional development and certification or licensing support, where eligible
• Performance‑based bonus or incentive compensation, which may be available depending on the role Benefit offerings are subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements, and applicable law, and may vary based on factors such as employment status, job classification, work location, and scheduled hours. Certain benefits may not be available to part‑time employees or employees working fewer than 30 hours per week. The company reserves the right to modify or terminate benefit plans at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Your Next Career Opportunity – Tower Technician

Perform construction duties on a daily basis ensuring quality construction for expedited commercial deployment of services as directed by Superintendent and/or Tower Crew Lead.

What You Will Do – Primary Responsibilities

• Perform tower construction activities including assembling/erecting towers, installing antennas, mounting hardware, installing coax and connectors, grounding, testing, positioning, and optimizing antennas and lines.
• Read Plans, Site Plans and Tower Drawings.
• Install, connect and test underground and above ground grounding systems.
• Complete work in a timely and efficient manner by planning, prioritizing, and mobilizing staff, materials to meet schedule.
• Ensure Tower Crew Lead is apprised of construction progress, concerns, and deviations from plans or established schedule.
• Identify all materials and other resources needed to complete project.
• Identify construction "punch list" of items to be remedied and ensure they are completed prior to customer’s inspection.
• Maintain and enforce all SBA and OSHA safety practices, perform daily job-site safety inspections on equipment prior to operation.
• Work with Construction Supervisor and Tower Crew Lead to analyze job requirements such as labor and materials.
• Must be able to work overtime to include Saturdays, Sundays and evening hours.
• Must be able to satisfactorily complete all aspects of SBA’s Tower U and TS&R training classes.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need – Qualifications & Requirements

H.S. Diploma/GED preferred; and 1+ years year of recent tower climbing experience. Knowledge of standard knots and ability to read blueprints, details and specifications required Knowledge and ability to operate Test Equipment (i.e., RF sweep gear, PIM, and Fiber testing preferred Must possess the physical ability to climb to heights of up to 500 feet. Domestic Travel 90% of the time and able to operate a company vehicle at the CMV level. Valid Government Issued Driver's License Health Services\Drivers License - MDOT Medical Physical Pref Other Anritsu certified Pref Physical Demands and Working Conditions The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to hear, understand and respond appropriately to verbal requests made in person and over the telephone. Visual ability correctable to 20/20. Ability to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle. Standing 90% of the day. Ability to respond verbally in an understandable, professional manner in person and over the telephone. Ability to stoop and bend. Ability to reach and stretch. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds. Ability to walk, stand, bend and climb. Ability to work on job site in remote location for extended periods of time.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to hear, understand and respond appropriately to verbal requests made in person and over the telephone.
• Visual ability correctable to 20/20.
• Ability to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
• Standing 90% of the day.
• Ability to respond verbally in an understandable, professional manner in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to stoop and bend.
• Ability to reach and stretch.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend and climb.
• Ability to work on job site in remote location for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

• Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Risk of electrical shock and radiation.
• Work near mechanical parts.
• May work in high, precarious places.
• Very loud noise levels equivalent to earth moving equipment and jack hammers.

In our efforts to maintain a safe work environment for our team members and the general public, all applicants who receive a conditional job offer for employment in a position classified as safety sensitive will be required to take and satisfactorily pass a drug test.

These words describe our team members at SBA.

Our strong entrepreneurial spirit has guided how we build our business, inspire each other and deliver for our customers. Wherever your location at SBA, as a member of our team, you will find colleagues who encourage you, challenges that energize you and leaders who appreciate you.

SBA Communications is an industry leader in providing wireless communications infrastructure essential to connecting businesses, communities and people, with a track record of growth throughout the Americas, Africa and in Asia. We are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol SBAC, and our organization is part of the S&P 500. SBA is also among the top 20 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) based on market capitalization.