Telecommunications Equipment Installers & Repairers

realistic interest demonstrate equipment test circuits communication computer climb poles proper functioning electrical component wire

Central Office Technician, Install and Repair Technician, Service Technician, Telecommunications Technician

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding 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.

Knowledge

Business

  • customer service

Communications

  • telecommunications

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Analytical Thinking

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Analytical or scientific software

  • Fluke ClearSight Analyzer
  • Fluke Networks TechAdvisor Field Access System

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about telecommunications equipment installers and repairers.