Also called:
Radio Frequency Technician (RF Tech), Radio Technician (Radio Tech), Tower Technician (Tower Tech), Two-Way Radio Technician (Two-Way Radio Tech)
The ease of communicating from any location to anyone around the world, and to accessing an enormous variety of information and entertainment around the clock, makes it look simple to do, but in reality, it takes the skills and physical efforts of many workers to make the connections happen. Radio, cellular, and tower equipment workers install and maintain the tower networks and systems used in cellular telecommunications and mobile broadband. They also service aircraft-to-ground communications equipment. Tower workers often scale ladders or stairs on towers to calibrate and repair transmitting and receiving components. They read work orders and blueprints, make repairs, and run tests to confirm equipment operates correctly. Workers must ensure that proper weatherproofing measures have been taken and that equipment is bolted down tight. Radio mechanics test and repair two-way radio equipment, but they’re more likely to work in a workshop, soldering electronics and troubleshooting malfunctioning emergency beacons or ship radios. They frequently travel to repair ship-to-shore and emergency vehicle radio equipment. Work schedules in these careers are typically 40 hours or more per week. Positions are typically in telecommunications companies, construction firms, and government agencies. Positions may require an associate’s degree or a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.
On the job, you would:
Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
mechanical
Communications
telecommunications
multimedia
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Cooperation
Initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
AERONET calculator
Zoho WebNMS Cell Tower Manager
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed