Occupation Details
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
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.
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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.
Work Values
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.
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 employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$42,160.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,540.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$91,650.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
9,720
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
10,610
+89 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,222
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Analog probes
- Battery-powered punchdown tools
- Bridge tap detectors
- Cable cutters
- Cable fault finders
- Cable splicer knives
- Diagonal-cutting pliers
- Digital multimeters
- Double-ended screwstarters
- Double-sided magnetic tape measures
- Electricians' scissors
- Fiberoptic cable testers
- Handheld dataloggers
- Hex key sets
- In-line modular adapters
- Insulated screwdrivers
- Longnosed pliers
- Multifunction cable testers
- Nut wrenches
- Penlights
- Personal computers
- Pocket toners
- Polarity testers
- Receptacle analyzers
- Slip joint pliers
- Stepladders
- T-strippers
- Tablet computers
- Telecom test sets
Technology
- Apache Struts
- Cisco IOS
- Fluke ClearSight Analyzer
- Fluke Networks Fluke TechEXPERT
- Fluke Networks TechAdvisor Field Access System
- IBM Domino
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- plan layout of electrical/electronic equipment installation
- estimate materials or labor requirements
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- examine telephone transmission facilities to determine equipment requirements
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- erect power or communication poles or towers
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- clean equipment or machinery
- use two-way radio or mobile phone
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use soldering equipment
- resolve customer or public complaints
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- examine permits or licenses to ensure compliance with requirements
- instruct customers in product installation, use, or repair
- apply cleaning solvents
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
- move or fit heavy objects
- prepare site or surfaces for concrete or masonry work
- dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
- communicate technical information
- calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
- install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- install, maintain or repair communication line switching devices
- maintain electrician's tools or equipment
- modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
- replace electronic components
- splice electric cable
- splice electric or communications trunk lines
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
- conduct sequential tests to locate electronic malfunction
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
- test electronic or electrical circuit connections
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- conduct performance testing
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- investigate customer complaints
- measure construction dimensions
- plan or organize work
- provide customer service
- answer customer or public inquiries
- distinguish colors
- understand detailed electronic design specifications
- understand technical information for electronic repair work
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- drive automobile, van, or light truck
- drive truck with capacity greater than 3 tons
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- install hardware, software, or peripheral equipment
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
- Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
- Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
- Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
- Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
- Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
- Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
- Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
- Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
- Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
- Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
- Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
- Designate cables available for use.
- Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
- Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
- Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
- Perform database verifications, using computers.
- Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
- Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
- Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
- Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
- Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
- Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
- Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
- Install updated software and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features, such as time-correlated call routing.
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components and painting worn or exposed areas.
- Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
- Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
- Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
- Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.
- Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.
- Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
- Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
- Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.
- Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
- Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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