Traveling Tower Technician

NextLink•Peoria, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Traveling Tower Technician is responsible for installing and maintaining wireless tower-site electronics and hardware, cabling, and electrical systems where applicable. This is a full-time, travel-intensive field operations position covering the states where the company operates. The schedule is three weeks working out of town followed by one week at home off, with irregular hours, a minimum of 40 hours per week, and overtime usually expected. Travel is 100%, with overnight stays as needed. The technician climbs and works on communications towers, potentially up to 500 feet, to install, replace, repair, inspect, and maintain antenna systems and related equipment. The work includes running power, grounding, fiber, Cat5e, and/or coaxial cables; checking antenna position and adjusting azimuth or mechanical tilt; inspecting and adjusting telecommunications equipment; and verifying the quality and functioning of completed work. The technician completes job safety analyses, documents work and safety information, takes site and work photos, and prepares reports using a phone and computer software. The role requires safe use of hand and power tools, mechanical and rigging equipment, utility trucks, and equipment trailers. Work takes place outdoors in varying weather and wind, near heavy machinery and moving vehicles, and in high-noise environments. Employees use personal protective equipment and must comply with tower safety and rescue training, vehicle safety policies, and the manufacturer’s 300-pound combined employee-and-tools weight limit for safety equipment. Nextlink is an equal opportunity employer and maintains an alcohol- and drug-free workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Working knowledge of basic hand tools, mechanical equipment, and electromechanical equipment.
Comfort working outdoors and recent experience working outdoors.
Team-oriented mentality and safety-conscious approach.
Ability to pass a drug screening test and criminal background check.
Ability to pass the in-house training program.
Valid driver’s license and a safe, acceptable driving record in compliance with company policy.
Ability to climb tall structures up to 500 feet with a load and repeatedly pull one’s body weight plus equipment weight up a vertical tower.
Combined employee and tools weight 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 stationary for 8–10 hours a day and frequently stand, walk, stoop, sit, climb ladders and towers, and work at elevation.
Ability to frequently use hand and power tools.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing, follow instructions accurately, and analyze situations and choose an appropriate course of action.
Willingness to work irregular hours, at least 40 hours per week, with overtime usually expected.
Willingness to travel 100%, work three weeks out of town followed by one week at home off, and stay overnight as needed.

Responsibilities

Complete and maintain the tower safety and rescue training program.
Climb and work on communications towers to install, replace, repair, and maintain antenna systems and tower equipment.
Use and care for hand tools and mechanical equipment.
Recognize hazards associated with tower climbing, construction equipment, and work near energized lines and equipment, and perform duties safely.
Inspect completed work to verify that hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are fastened, support is adequate, weatherproofing is installed, and equipment functions properly.
Complete a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before each tower climb with everyone on site, and document the JSA after the job.
Run appropriate power, ground, fiber, Cat5e, and/or coaxial cables.
Check antenna positioning against specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
Inspect telecommunications equipment for problems and adjust it for optimal performance.
Transport equipment to worksites 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.
Take site photos and images needed to document work or address work issues.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and follow the company Vehicle Fleet Safety Policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.