Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
O*NET files this work under Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers: people who install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Its interest code is RCI. Realistic leads at 6.4 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 4.8. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to troubleshooting, repairing, and quality control analysis as the ones to build. One core duty is to note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.
What they do
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.
Main 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.
Skills
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Installation
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
- You are comfortable relying on troubleshooting and repairing.
May not suit you if
- You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
- You need to start within a few months, with no training period.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.
Preparation
Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.
Also called
- Broadband Technician (Broadband Tech)
- Combination Technician (Combination Tech)
- Customer Service Technician (CST)
- Installer
- Network Technician (Network Tech)
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.