Telecommunications Equipment Tech

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Broadband Technician (Broadband Tech); Combination Technician (Combination Tech); Customer Service Technician (CST); Installer; Network Technician (Network Tech); Outside Plant Technician (Outside Plant Tech); Repair Technician (Repair Tech); Service Technician (Service Tech); Telecommunications Technician (Telecommunications Tech); Telephone Technician (Phone Tech)

Tasks

• Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
• Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
• Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
• 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.
• Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
• Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
• Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
• Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
• Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
• Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
• Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
• Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
• Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
• Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.

Knowledge

• Telecommunications
• Computers and Electronics
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Public Safety and Security
• Engineering and Technology
• Communications and Media

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Finger Dexterity
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Information Ordering
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Control Precision
• Written Comprehension
• Visualization
• Multilimb Coordination
• Extent Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Trunk Strength
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Category Flexibility
• Speed of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Static Strength
• Gross Body Coordination
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Far Vision
• Depth Perception
• Speech Clarity