Tower Technician

NextLink•Norfolk, NE

About The Position

The Tower Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, inspecting, and repairing wireless tower-site electronics, hardware, cabling, and applicable electrical systems. The role involves climbing communications towers, sometimes up to 500 feet, and using safety equipment and techniques from the company’s tower safety and rescue training program. Technicians install and position antenna systems, run power, ground, fiber, Cat5e, and/or coaxial cables, inspect telecommunications equipment, and make adjustments to support proper functioning and optimal performance. The position requires completing and documenting a Job Safety Analysis before and after each tower climb, recognizing hazards, following safe work practices, documenting work with photos and reports, transporting equipment to work sites, and coordinating with others. Work takes place outdoors in varied weather and around heavy machinery, moving vehicles, and high noise levels. The role includes irregular, flexible hours, an on-call rotation, overtime as needed, and travel of 20–40% or as needed, including overnight travel when required.

Requirements

Must successfully complete the in-house training program.
Must pass a drug screening test and criminal background check.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a safe/acceptable driving record in compliance with company policy.
Working knowledge of basic hand tools, mechanical equipment, and electro-mechanical equipment.
Comfort working outdoors and recent experience working in outdoor conditions.
Team-oriented mentality and safety-conscious approach.
Ability to climb tall structures up to 500 feet with a load.
Ability to pull own body weight plus equipment weight up a vertical tower repeatedly.
Employee weight and tools combined must not exceed the 300-pound limit specified by the safety-equipment manufacturer.
Ability to frequently move, transport, and position objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for 8–10 hours a day and frequently stand, walk, stoop, sit, and climb ladders and communications towers.
Ability to work in an elevated position of approximately 250 feet with climbing equipment.
Ability to work alone and closely with others.
High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Responsibilities

Install, replace, repair, and maintain antenna systems and other communications tower equipment.
Complete tower safety and rescue training and maintain the required qualifications.
Climb communications towers using required safety equipment and techniques.
Use and care for hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools.
Recognize hazards associated with tower climbing, construction equipment, and energized lines or equipment, and perform work safely.
Inspect completed work for secure hardware, level antennas, properly fastened hangers, adequate support, and weatherproofing.
Complete a Job Safety Analysis before each tower climb and document it after the job is completed.
Run power, ground, fiber, Cat5e, and/or coaxial cables as appropriate.
Check antenna positioning against specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
Inspect telecommunications equipment, identify problems, and adjust equipment for optimal performance.
Analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action; follow instructions and complete assigned work.
Take site photos and images needed to document work or address issues.
Transport equipment to work sites using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
Safely lift equipment into position using rigging tools or equipment such as a capstan hoist.
Complete reports about outages, project status, progress, and other work details using phone and computer software.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and follow the company’s Vehicle Fleet Safety Policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.