Switchboard Operator

Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator); Central Communications Specialist; Communications Operator; Communications Specialist; Information Specialist; PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator); Switchboard Operator (SB Operator); Switchboard Receptionist (SB Receptionist); Telecommunications Clerk; Telecommunications Operator

Tasks

• Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
• Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
• Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
• Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
• Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
• Relay or route written or verbal messages.
• Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
• Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
• Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
• Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Administrative
• Computers and Electronics
• Telecommunications

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Near Vision
• Selective Attention
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering