Blog 4

At one point in time, I was working for Dish Network as a Field Service Specialist. As a tech, I worked 365, rain, sleet, snow, and holidays.  I had a tablet with a work order composed of new connect and service calls. I was responsible for installing television services and troubleshooting issues once on a service call. A technician would need to know how to communicate with diverse populations, work various house layouts/blueprints, climb/work off ladder, properly use a tape measure, walk on a roof, walk in an attic, the proper way of routing cable, power drill, stud finder, and an inclinometer (aids in locating different satellites). One would need to know how to build each dish, wallfish (running cable behind wall from attic, basement, or crawlspace), and lift heavy items such as a 26ft ladder (2-people 40 ft.). In addition, a technician must identify variables that could hinder services and harm one’s health; such as, no line of sight (obstruction due to tree, building, etc.), asbestos shingles (no drilling such as wall penetration), dangerous install or animal, installing pole mount without using “Dig Safe” (811).

Some habits include placing an orange cone in front and behind my Dish Network van at the worksite; wearing a dusk mask and other PPE (gloves, glasses, etc.) while entering or working in the attic, basement, and crawlspace; using a stud finder capable of locating studs and electrical before drilling, wearing boot covers while working in home (prevents damage claim of mud in carpet), and wearing fall protection while working on a roof.

As a technician, I was motivated by the pay and it felt rewarding providing individuals with television; especially small children. I value meeting other people especially when I can help solve their issue(s) and working for Dish Network provided me with this opportunity. I believe a company should not only state that they care about their employees but actually show that they care. Dish Network is a company that provides injured technicians with light duty jobs, so pay is disbursed as if working as a technician in the field. Also, if one works directly for Dish Network (not a contractor), the technician is paid by the hour and not job. This eliminates the pressure of completing every job and a technician can avoid or cancel dangerous jobs without sacrificing their pay. During extreme hot temperatures, managers would bring technicians cold drinks, ice cream, and Miracool wraps. During cold temperatures, the company would provide technicians with hand warmers, heavy duty gear, coffee, hot chocolate, and mandatory breaks to warm one’s core. I also believe one should stick to their values no matter the circumstance. Dish Network believed in quality and not quantity. As technicians, we never installed if the home wasn’t properly grounded, deemed unsafe (holes in foundation, no Dig Safe, etc.), or customer without proper paperwork (HOA signoff or landlord approval). After the completion of a job, Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS), returns to the home and inspects the work inside and out. Failing 3 QAS inspections results in termination.  

Work environment consisted of working indoor, outdoor, residentially, and commercially (Kmart, bank, etc.). Working outdoor was more challenging than indoor because of layouts/blueprints, various temperatures, and conditions. I enjoyed working indoor because it usually meant the job was almost complete. As far as behavior, more jobs would be cancelled because of the rain (if I had to get on roof or delayed because of thunderstorms), snow (unsafe to drive vehicle or arrive to home), or sleet (can access roof). There was often feedback from customer’s that just wanted to talk or learn. Also, some would ask if I need help with locating items such as cable lines. When working in cold temperatures, I would move as quickly as possible to get to the inside work. While outside in the cold, customers would offer me coffee, hot chocolate or tea etc. These acts of kindness motivated me during frigid temps; also, such acts of kindness during hot temperatures.