Core Network Technician II - (Fairbanks, AK)

GCI Communication Corp•Fairbanks, AK

About The Position

GCI's Core Network Technician II will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the company’s core networks to ensure optimal network availability, performance, and reliability. This includes proactively monitoring and supporting critical systems and network components to ensure uninterrupted infrastructure functionality, adherence to industry standards, and alignment with performance objectives—all with a focus on maximizing customer satisfaction. Collaborates closely with technical support teams, engineering staff, and internal business units to coordinate the installation, upgrades, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of network elements across multiple vendor platforms. Ensures that all planned and unplanned changes to the network infrastructure comply with established company change management policies and procedures.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrates a moderate understanding of telecommunications systems, including the installation, modification, and testing of network infrastructure.
Capable of performing basic to moderately complex equipment installations, test procedures, and system turn-ups under moderate supervision, with increasing proficiency in commissioning and provisioning new equipment and services.
Possesses a foundational knowledge of Change Management processes and procedures, as well as a basic understanding of the company's High Availability (HA) Policy and related testing protocols.
Able to execute High Availability Method of Procedure (HA MOP) tasks under moderate supervision, ensuring compliance with operational standards.
Routinely conducts inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure central office environments remain clean, organized, and free from safety hazards, with minimal supervision required.
Basic to intermediate knowledge of transmission technologies, including T-Carrier, SONET, DWDM, CWDM, and PON systems.
Understanding of Internet Protocol (IP), including IP addressing schemes and subnetting principles.
Familiarity with fiber optic safety guidelines and installation standards.
Working knowledge of DC power systems supporting network infrastructure.
Proficient in using test equipment commonly employed in the installation, diagnostics, and repair of telecommunications systems.
Exposure to and application of industry-standard testing methodologies.
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 six (6) years of increasing responsibility and experience within a telecommunication central office, or related environment.
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in electronics or relevant field, telecommunications trade school, or equivalent training.
Telecom industry or job specific certifications.
Experience with Ciena and Nokia.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily operational checks and perform routine preventative maintenance on all Core Network elements and associated infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and maximize overall network availability.
Provide technical support for a variety of network elements to ensure compliance with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Proactively monitor performance, address service-impacting issues, and escalate incidents to the appropriate next-level support teams when resolution falls outside the scope of responsibility or expertise.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair network equipment and related hardware, including the replacement of electronic components as necessary, with a focus on minimizing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and ensuring timely restoration of services.
Delivers technical assistance and guidance to both internal teams and external partners to effectively resolve issues impacting customer experience and service delivery.
Effectively communicates real-time system status updates to relevant stakeholders, including the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and Base Transceiver Station (BTS) teams, particularly during network outages or service disruptions.
Ensures all required incident documentation and reporting are completed accurately and submitted within established timelines to support transparency and efficient issue resolution.
Administers and provides ongoing support for system applications across multiple vendor platforms, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and integration within the network environment.
Coordinates and executes system software, firmware, and hardware upgrades in collaboration with vendors, engineering teams, and other cross-functional groups.
Coordinates the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of transmission facilities to ensure proper functionality and compliance with technical standards.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date system documentation, including daily logs with site-specific details and operational updates.
Monitors and tracks repair parts and materials in accordance with established inventory and asset management procedures.
Submits Network Change Service Requests (NCSRs) for all scheduled maintenance activities, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to change control processes.