GCI's Core Network Technician III will operate and maintain the company’s core networks in a manner that provides the highest level of network availability, ensuring the greatest level of customer satisfaction and ensuring the company’s networks are meeting industry standards and performance goals. Monitoring and supporting critical system applications and network elements to maintain the continuous operation of system infrastructure.

Working closely with various technical support, engineering, and internal business groups to develop and implement coordinated installation, upgrading, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of network elements and administering of multiple vendor systems; closely reviewing planned and unplanned changes to network infrastructure follow company change guidelines and processes. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Perform daily operational checks and preventative maintenance on all Core Network elements and associated equipment to maximize network availability. May require Urban and Rural site dispatch. 

Provide support for various network elements to meet established Service Level Agreement (SLA) commitments and escalate to next level support. 

Troubleshoots and repairs all equipment, including replacement of electronics parts, to minimize Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). 

Provides technical assistance and training to internal and external groups to resolve problems affecting customers.

Communicates information effectively regarding system status while working with TAC and BTS on outages and attends to all required reporting in a timely manner.

Administer and support multiple vendor systems and maintains system applications, to include opening and managing vendor trouble and support tickets.

Performs system software, firmware, and hardware upgrades collaboratively with Vendors, Engineering, and other groups.

Coordinates installation, testing, and troubleshooting of transmission facilities and updates daily logs with site-specific information and maintains system documentation. Tracks repair parts and materials according to established procedures. File NCSRs for all scheduled maintenance events.

COMPETENCIES: ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. Ability to communicate effectively on outage bridges, including oral reporting, working with other technicians and engineers, documenting problems, and filing reports. Ability to work in a team environment on maintenance bridges with minimal supervision. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Able to communicate technical information effectively verbally to customers, contractors, utility workers, fellow employees, and the public in an effective manner with their level of understanding.  COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects company and customer confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. Interprets and accurately applies applicable codes, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Develops positive rapport with customers. Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. Ability to promote teamwork and encourage a professional, courteous work ethic. Dedicated to continually improving personal skills, and the group’s ability to serve the customer. Procedurally oriented with excellent customer service. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. Organize assignments, equipment, and routing to maximize productivity. RESULTS – Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. Broad-based knowledge of and ability to maintain equipment typically found in Telecommunication Core transport networks. Familiar with all test equipment common to a core central office. Knowledge of telecommunication protocols, availability, redundancy, reliability monitoring, signaling, and testing. Ability to work in stressful situations and maintain focus on proper troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. Excellent computer skills and basic MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel), and technical applications common in a telecommunications environment.  

Level Definition

Position Title: Core Network Technician III

Grade: T07

Additional Job Requirements:

At an intermediate level, within the core network field, must have a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications technology, installation, modifications, and test procedures. Ability to execute more complex equipment installation, test and turn up working under moderate to minimal supervision. Receives assistance in the completion of more complex assignments. Supports senior technicians, management, and mentors’ junior technicians.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Required: *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

High School diploma or equivalent. Minimum of eight (8) years of increasing responsibility and experience within a telecommunication central office, or related environment. *

Preferred:

Associate degree in electronics or relevant field, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training. Telecommunications experience.  Other telecom industry or job specific certifications.  Required at ALL Levels

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position requires driving a company-owned vehicle, company provided vehicle, or use of a personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and successfully complete Defensive Driving course.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   Daily moving, traversing, and positioning self on varied uneven or unstable surfaces such as roofs and in trenches, often hampered by weather elements. Safely move, transport, position, install, remove, and maneuver equipment and supplies of up to 70-pound loads occasionally, up to 50-pounds more regularly, up to 20 pounds frequently. High degree of dexterity and coordination to operate hand tools and to connect, separate, and twist multiple smaller items daily. Visual acuity is necessary to identify, inspect, observe, and assess details at near, mid, and far ranges. Ability to clearly distinguish colors for driving, identifying cables or other electrical components, and safety signage. Auditory acuity necessary to operate equipment; capable of distinguishing between equipment signals and the human voice often amidst background noises, such as wind, rain, and traffic. Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions.  Ability to tolerate temperature and weather extremes found in the Alaskan arctic environment with appropriate clothing and other PPE. (fumes and odors, dust, low light conditions, rain, sleet, snow, hail, wind, temperature extremes). Work areas can be cramped, dark, dusty, damp, wet, stuffy, sticky, smelly, hot and/or cold. Overtime, shift work, and on call required. Standing, bending, standing on ladder, and talking on phone for long hours sometimes required. Position may be required to travel to different site locations. Position is designated to Urban, Outlying, Arctic Regions of Alaska, or North-East US area locations based on the need and requirements of the position and or location. Work locations assignment may require different work schedules and callout provisions which will be determined by the supervisor based on the business needs of the assigned site location.    Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions when checking on fieldwork, areas may be obstructed by weather and / or debris, requiring unscheduled clearing. Must be able and willing to work flexible hours including, but not limited to, overtime, on-call, and/ or additional time on weekends, holidays, evenings, before or after normal shift hours. Travel via commercial vehicles and commercial aircraft may be required. In addition, could include ATV to access sites within the area of operations.

Background /Security Conditions: Based on the position’s business needs, background and security checks are subject to Level 1 background checks that may include but are not limited to: review of an individual’s criminal history; credit check, and review of DMV records. Job candidates may also need to comply with additional State of AK contract requirements. GCI will ensure that background checks are conducted in compliance with all applicable federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA).

Badging may be required depending on assignment of work location: 

(must be able to pass and maintain) 

US Government Background check within the first two (2) weeks of employment if required. Drug and Alcohol testing as needed. Alyeska Security and Safe Driver as needed. TWIC as needed (Transport Worker Identification Credential). Other government agency security badges as needed. Other Telecommunications Carrier badges as needed. North Slope Training Cooperative Certification as needed (NSTC) Drug Testing: Participation in a DOT or non-DOT drug and alcohol testing program may be required to satisfy conditions of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client. This includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return to duty, and follow-up testing. Fitness For: Duty: Ability to pass a pre-employment or return to work physical and fitness for duty examination may be required to satisfy conditions of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client. 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 core business hours to respond to an immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity 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 in 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. 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.