Also called:
Combination Technician, Installation and Repair Technician (I and R Technician), Lineman, Service Technician
In the Air Force:
Cable and Antenna Defense Operations; Cable and Antenna Defense Operations Apprentice; Cable and Antenna Defense Operations Craftsman; Cable and Antenna Defense Operations Helper; Cable and Antenna Defense Operations Journeyman; Cable and Antenna Systems Apprentice; Cable and Antenna Systems Craftsman; Cable and Antenna Systems Journeyman; Electrical Systems Apprentice; Electrical Systems Helper
In the Army:
Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer; Electronic Missile Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer; Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer/Integrator; Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer; Signal Operations Support Specialist; Telecommunications Operations Chief
In the Marine Corps:
Air Traffic Control Communications Technician; Air Traffic Control Radar Technician; Aviation Radar Repairer; Cyberspace Warfare Chief; Electrician; Network Administrator; Network Chief; Satellite Transmissions System Operator; Tactical Data Systems Technician; Transmissions System Operator
In the Navy:
AN/SIA-127/134 Announcing System Maintenance Technician; AN/SSC-13 Shipboard Air Traffic Control Communications (SATCC) Technician; CVN Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) Manager; Combat Control Systems Manager; Construction Electrician; Electronics Systems Manager; Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS) Interior Communications (IC) Electrician; Interior Communication Operator; NAMTS Interior Communications Repair Technician; Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) MK1 Maintenance Technician; Tactical Variant Switch (TVS) AN/USQ-155 (V) 6 Maintenance Technician
Electricity… telephone… cable TV… Internet... the communication lines that support access to these modern essentials are in constant use. Line installers and repairers maintain the power systems and cables needed to keep access flowing. The power grid is the network of power lines that moves electricity from generating plants to customers. Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the power grid. Telecommunications line installers and repairers work on the lines and cables used by network communications companies. Line installers dig underground trenches and erect poles and towers to install new cable. They use construction equipment, such as trucks equipped with augers and cranes, to dig holes and set poles in place. Line repairers replace old equipment and maintain existing lines. The work can be physically demanding. Work is often performed at great heights or in confined spaces, and outdoors under challenging weather conditions. Workers need good balance, and the strength to climb utility poles and transmission towers. Line workers maintain strict safety procedures, as they encounter hazards such as falls, high-voltages or dangerous gases, which make the occupation among the most dangerous. Although most work regular full-time business hours, some must work evenings and weekends. Some workers travel to maintain a large region. In emergencies workers may have to work long hours for several days in a row. Most entry level positions require a high school diploma or equivalent; line installers and repairers receive long-term on-the-job training to become fully proficient.
What they do:
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
On the job, you would:
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.
Knowledge
Communications
telecommunications
multimedia
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Skills
Basic Skills
talking to others
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Personality
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
Cooperation
Self Control
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Workforce management system software
Education
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the Navy:
AN/SIA-127/134 Announcing System Maintenance Technician; AN/SSC-13 Shipboard Air Traffic Control Communications (SATCC) Technician; CVN Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) Manager; Combat Control Systems Manager; Construction Electrician; Electronics Systems Manager; Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS) Interior Communications (IC) Electrician; Interior Communication Operator; NAMTS Interior Communications Repair Technician; Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) MK1 Maintenance Technician; Tactical Variant Switch (TVS) AN/USQ-155 (V) 6 Maintenance Technician
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