Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

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What is a Telecommunications Line Installer and Repairer?

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers are specialized technicians who install, maintain, and repair the infrastructure that enables communication through telephone and data services. They work with a variety of technologies, including wiring, fiber optics, satellite systems, and broadband connections, ensuring that communications systems function efficiently and effectively. These professionals are responsible for connecting homes and businesses to vital telecommunications networks, troubleshooting issues, and carrying out repairs when necessary. They typically work in a variety of settings, including residential locations, commercial properties, and outdoor environments, often climbing poles or using ladders to access wiring and equipment. Safety is paramount, as they work with heavy equipment and may be exposed to hazardous conditions. Additionally, they must keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements in telecommunications to provide high-quality service to their customers.

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Tasks

  • Set up service for customers, installing, connecting, testing, or adjusting equipment.
  • Travel to customers' premises to install, maintain, or repair audio and visual electronic reception equipment or accessories.
  • Measure signal strength at utility poles, using electronic test equipment.
  • Inspect or test lines or cables, recording and analyzing test results, to assess transmission characteristics and locate faults or malfunctions.
  • Splice cables, using hand tools, epoxy, or mechanical equipment.

Technology Skills

  • Electronic mail software
    • Email software
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software
    • Slack
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • Workforce management system software
  • Facilities management software
    • Mapcom systems M4

Knowledge

  • Telecommunications

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

  • 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.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 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.

  • Computers and Electronics

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

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving

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

  • Critical Thinking

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

  • Operations Monitoring

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

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • 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.

Abilities

  • 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.

  • Oral Expression

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

  • 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.

  • Extent Flexibility

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

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    60 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Post-secondary certificate
    14 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

  • Less than high school diploma
    13 %

Work Activities

  • 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 materials.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Handling and Moving Objects

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Install audio or communications equipment.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Collect payments for goods or services.
  • Explain use of products or services.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$40180.0 - $101120.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Assessment

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