The Field Technician position at Valley Internet is diverse in its tasks and skills and is challenging as it is rewarding. The rural nature of our customers and base stations makes it not practical to hire a separate installer, network engineer, and surveyor, all for one customer install. Instead, we created a multi-disciplined and multi-talented position that only a select few will be able to meet its requirements and objectives. In fact, our nickname for those who perform this job is Supertech!
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Physical Req:

• Lift load up to 80lbs
• Enter and maneuver in tight places such as an attic or a crawl space
• Climb ladder, roof, towers, and other tall places
• Handle and use light construction tools
• Handle All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions and exposed to the elements
• At times, work extended hours, weekend on-call rotation

Minimum Skills Required:

• High school diploma, some college preferred 
• Basic home improvement craftsmanship
• Basic computer knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Clean driving record
• Impeccable work ethic, supported by references
• Quick learning skills

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The following is a brief summary from the Field Engineer Supplemental Handbook, highlighting the key aspects of the job. Additional information is found in the handbook which will be provided to you during the training and apprenticeship period. 

Survey sites

In order to connect a customer, a site survey must be performed. As a field engineer, you will be responsible to review the survey request ahead of the actual survey and study the various connectivity options and resources you may need. On-site you’ll research all connectivity options, evaluate safety concerns and take into consideration the various aspects that impact the install such as cable run integrity, esthetics, wall penetration options, and of course customer requirements. These need to be well documented with photos and notes and compiled into a detailed site survey report which you will prepare when you get back to your desk.‍

Install

A successful install starts with proper readiness, and as part of your job, you’ll be responsible to ensure that you understand the project at hand, and make sure that all resources such as supplies and equipment are ready and available for you ahead of time.

Remember that safety is your top priority.

There is no such thing as a typical install at Valley Internet. You can expect to install equipment on a roof, on a post up a hill, or even on a tree. The installation may include running a cable in the crawl space or in the attic, chasing it through the wall, and in other tight corners of the structure. You will be required to configure networking equipment, crimp cables, install solar equipment, small 3-legged towers, and the list goes on.

As you perform your job, you continue to represent the company. The expectation is that you will conduct yourself at the highest degree, remain professional and courteous, yet focused and loyal to the company’s standards and the integrity of the install. ‍

Service & Maintenance‍

From time to time, your job will take you to visit an existing customer in order to repair, upgrade, reinstall, or remove old equipment. A service call is an opportunity to research the integrity of the original install, and take steps and/or recommend ways to improve the install and make it last!‍

Base Stations‍

There are many base stations that makeup Valley Internet’s network. Your job will often take you to one, or you may be on a team building a new one. Constructing, maintaining, or troubleshooting the base stations requires you to handle an ATV in off-road terrain, climb towers, engage in some light construction, install solar equipment and wind turbines, and configure/troubleshoot network equipment. The views are breathtaking!