GCI's OSP Design Engineer II will provide engineering design, mapping, documentation, and implementation of outside plant (OSP) to maximize economy of design. Compile, review, and maintain related OSP project data and support data systems. Assist with development, and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency of related data systems.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: System Design and Review Planning, Developing, and Managing Statewide Documentation Ability to interact effectively with utilities and deal professionally with public access issues and requirements. Ability to establish amiable working relationships with customers, contractors, utilities, enforcement agencies, the public, and other departmental personnel. Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences. Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports. Ability to generate and translate information in drawings, blueprints, spreadsheets, as-built, etc. to others. Demonstrated ability to effectively relay technical information and concepts to customers, contractors, utilities, and departmental personnel with varying degrees of technical knowledge. Comfortable speaking in public and group settings Understanding and familiarity with applicable state, federal and local rules and regulations pertaining to design, construction, and maintenance of fiber and coax.  Experience in hybrid fiber coax design, splicing, construction, and project administration. Ability to generate plats and system design maps using Lode Data and AutoCAD. Ability to generate fiber cut sheets and design layouts using Excel, MapInfo, and approved fiber management system (OSP Insight) or equivalents. Project management skills - ability to assist in negotiation and administration of contracts, evaluation of work in progress, and management and direction of craft personnel and contractors. Familiarity with (OSP Insight), AutoCAD, Lode Data, or their equivalents.

 

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. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills, database, and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to complete job duties effectively.

 

Grade: E06

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an intermediate level position within the engineering discipline working under moderate supervision. Demonstrates proficiency and broad working knowledge in areas of responsibility. Completes moderately complex engineering design and calculations with periodic review by senior staff and management. Receives general instruction on routine work and new assignments. Completes tasks on time and within budget.

Essential Duties:

Planning, Developing, and Managing:

Plan and develop drawings for new construction and removal or rearrangement of existing, overhead, or underground lines, cables, and conduits to obtain optimum and economical utilization of communications facilities. Design work orders for broadband technology and conduit systems.
Identify and design distribution work orders for relief and modernization of facilities. Analyze designs of feeder and distribution facilities. Analyze available and existing traffic loads, lines, and estimates or forecasts of projected traffic to determine new construction or rearrangements and removals required. Select routing of lines and equipment required for work projects. Prepare detailed construction and installation drawings, and estimate equipment, labor, and material costs. Initiate work authorization requests and submit requests with substantiating drawings and documents for approval.      Order required materials and equipment and direct work activities to ensure conformance with engineering specifications and work authorization. Prepare fiber splicing packets (SPACs) to create splicing documentation circuit between alpha and omega locations. Support emergency fiber repairs to include taper reports, identifying priority circuits, and damage location. Support workgroups with fiber feasibility studies to include construction requirements and fiber availability information.  Issue fiber access request responses to include updating fiber management database and issued supporting documentation to include port assignments and light loses. Provide training and assistance to lower-level design engineers.

 

Statewide Documentation:

Develop, implement, and maintain accurate statewide operational support systems (as-built, design files, internal web page, permits, leases, etc.) Coordinate with maintenance departmental management to develop, prioritize, and implement statewide OSP deferred maintenance programs. Assist in development, review, and implementation of statewide GCI policies, procedures, and standards for OSP design, construction, and related project management and administration. Conduct quality assurance review to determine whether documentation complies with applicable GCI standards, take corrective measures as warranted.

 

System Design and Review:

Create, maintain, and archive statewide electronic design and mapping files.  Hybrid fiber coax projects: plant line extensions and electronic upgrades, including aerial pole lines, buried applications and in-conduit systems. Building entrance facilities, including structural requirements, riser cables, routing, terminations, and equipment room layouts and configurations. Coordinate with utilities, agencies, and other GCI departments to ensure service commitments are reasonable and attainable and to facilitate scheduling for subsequent internal plant maintenance, repair, and extension. Review designs and specifications submitted by OSP staff and contractors for conformance with GCI standards, make necessary recommendations.  Review and close-out projects, ensuring “as-built” information and records are returned and updated, consistent with actual conditions.  Evaluate, recommend alternatives, and prioritize projects, analyzing design, costs, conditions, construction methods, permit/lease status, joint-use opportunities, etc. May be assigned designated projects and subcontractors to manage, including scope, schedule, budget, permitting, leasing, access requirements, tracking, monitoring, and reporting.                                                                 

 

 

Additional Competencies:

Comprehensive understanding of telecommunications operations and functions. Knowledge of Engineering functions/aspects and applicable codes and standards. Demonstrated work experience in hybrid fiber coax design, splicing, construction and project administration. Work experience interacting with utilities and dealing with public access issues/requirements.  Demonstrated ability to generate plats and system design maps. Working knowledge of OSP Insight, MapInfo, AutoCAD, Lode Data, or their equivalents.

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. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, telecommunications, or related fields. * Minimum of four (4) years of combined experience at increasing levels of complexity in any of the following areas: outside plant engineering with fiber optic and coax design, construction, maintenance, or project management. *

Preferred:

SCTE, BTS certifications. Professional Engineer (PE). Telecommunications experience.  Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. 

 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:   Travel to worksites may be required, may require use of an RV. Air travel may require traveling in small engine planes. Subject to adverse weather and driving conditions when in the field.  Worksites may be obstructed by weather and/or debris; heavy equipment, power lines, and utilities operations may be present. Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively. Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.    Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.  Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

 

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 the 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 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. 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.