Telecom Repairers: Installation & Maintenance Jobs

Also called: Antenna Installer, Automatic Equipment Technician, Broadband Installer, Broadband Technician, Cable Technician

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Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers, install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.
Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
Perform database verifications, using computers.
Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.
Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
Designate cables available for use.
Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
Install updated software, and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features such as time-correlated call routing.
Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components, and painting worn or exposed areas.
Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.
Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.
Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.

Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

Gather information about work conditions or locations.
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
Inspect telecommunications equipment to identify problems.
Repair electronic equipment.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Operation Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Installation

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Equipment Selection

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Extent Flexibility

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

Memorization

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

Gross Body Equilibrium

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Gross Body Coordination

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

Trunk Strength

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Static Strength

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Speed of Closure

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self Control

You might use software like this on the job:

Web platform development software

Apache Struts

Industrial control software

Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

Get started on your career:

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

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Telecom Repairers: Installation & Maintenance Jobs

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