Description:
Set-up, rearrange, or remove switching and dialing equipment used in central offices. Service or repair telephones and other communication equipment on customers' property. May install equipment in new locations or install wiring and telephone jacks in buildings under construction.
Tasks
- Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
- 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.
- Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
- Inspect equipment on a regular basis in order to ensure proper functioning.
- Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
- Remove and remake connections in order to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
- Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.
- 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.
Knowledge
- 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.
- 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.
- Mechanical
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Public Safety and Security
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- English Language
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education and Training
- Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Engineering and Technology
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mathematics
- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Administration and Management
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
- Installation
- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Troubleshooting
- Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Repairing
- Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- 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.
- Equipment Selection
- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Abilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Oral Comprehension
- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- 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.
- 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.
- Inductive Reasoning
- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- 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).
Work Activities
- 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.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- 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.
- Getting Information
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- 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.
- Interacting With Computers
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Work Context
- Telephone
- How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
- How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
- Face-to-Face Discussions
- How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
- Contact With Others
- How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
- How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
- Exposed to Contaminants
- How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
- Deal With External Customers
- How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
Interests
- Realistic
- Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative
- Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional
- Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Enterprising
- Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Social
- Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
- Artistic
- Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Work Style
- Dependability
- Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Attention to Detail
- Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity
- Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Self Control
- Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Cooperation
- Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Analytical Thinking
- Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Independence
- Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Stress Tolerance
- Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative
- Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Value
- Support
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Independence
- Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Working Conditions
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Relationships
- Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Achievement
- Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Recognition
- Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Common Lay Titles
- Antenna Installer
- Assigner
- Automatic Equipment Technician
- Broadband Technician
- Cable Television Installer (Cable TV Installer)
- Cable Television Line Technician
- Cable Television Technician (CATV Technician)
- Call Box Wirer
- Call Circuit Worker
- Central Office Equipment Installer
- Central Office Frame Wirer
- Central Office Mechanic
- Central Office Repairer
- Central Office Technician
- Central Office Trouble Shooter
- Central Office Worker (CO Worker)
- Combination Technician
- Communication Equipment Mechanic
- Communication Equipment Repairer
- Communications Equipment Installer
- Communications Equipment Repair Technician
- Communications Technician
- Community Antenna Television Line Technician
- Customer Service Technician (CST)
- Data Communications Technician
- Desk Worker
- DSL Technician (Digital Subscriber Line Technician)
- Electronic Systems Technician (EST)
- Electronics Mechanic
- Electronics Mechanic Apprentice
- Equipment Installer
- Equipment Mechanic
- Equipment Tester
- Erector
- Exchange Mechanic
- Exchange Trouble Shooter
- Facility Examiner
- Facility Technician
- Facility Worker
- Field Services Technician
- Field Technician
- Framer
- Information Transport Systems Technician
- Inside Wirer
- Install / Repair Technician
- Installer
- Installer Apprentice
- Installer Electronics
- Instrument Adjuster
- Instrument Installer
- Instrument Mechanic
- Instrument Repairer
- Instrument Setter
- Interior Block Wirer
- Manual Equipment Mechanic
- Mother (Matrix) Repairer
- Network Cable Installer
- Network Specialist
- Office Electrician
- Outside Plant Technician
- PBX Installer (Private Branch Exchange Installer)
- PBX Mechanic (Private Branch Exchange Mechanic)
- PBX Repairer (Private Branch Exchange Repairer)
- PBX Wire Chief (Private Branch Exchange Wire Chief)
- Plant and Equipment Worker (P&E Worker)
- Plant and Maintenance Technician
- Plant Technician
- Power Technician
- Public Address Servicer
- Relay Adjuster
- Relay Mechanic
- Remote Terminal Installer
- Repairer, Shop, Instrument
- Rigger
- Satellite Communications Antenna Installer
- Satellite Technician
- Service Engineer
- Service Technician
- Simplex Printer Installer
- Sound System Installer
- Sound Technician
- Special Equipment Technician
- Splicer Apprentice
- Station Inspector
- Station Mechanic
- Submarine Cable Equipment Technician
- Switch Box Installer
- Switch Technician
- Switchboard Installer
- Switchboard Mechanic
- Switchboard Trouble Shooter
- Switchboard Wirer
- Switchman
- Telecommunication Equipment Repairer
- Telecommunications Facility Examiner
- Telecommunications Repairer
- Telecommunications Switch Technician
- Telecommunications Technician
- Telegraph Installer
- Telegraph Mechanic
- Telegraph Plant Maintainer
- Telegraph Printer Mechanic
- Telegraph Repeater Installer
- Telegraph Repeater Mechanic
- Telegraphic Typewriter Installer
- Telegraphic Typewriter Mechanic
- Telephone Installer
- Telephone Installer / Repairman
- Telephone Maintainer
- Telephone Maintenance Mechanic
- Telephone Mechanic
- Telephone Station Installer
- Telephone Station Repairer
- Telephone Technician (Phone Technician)
- Telephone Worker
- Teletype Adjuster
- Teletype Installer
- Teletype Mechanic
- Teletype Technician
- Teletypewriter Installer
- Test Desk Operator
- Test Deskman
- Test Technician
- Test Worker
- Testboard Operator
- Ticker Installer
- Ticker Maintainer
- Ticker Wirer
- Time Signal Wirer
- Toll Mechanic
- Toll Test Desk Worker
- Toll Test Worker
- Toll Testboard Worker
- Toll Transmission Worker
- Transmission Tester
- Transmission Worker
- Transmitter Chief
- Trouble Shooter
- Trouble Tracer
- Voltmeter Operator
- Wireless Technician
- Wirer