Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Communication Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

Description

Install, maintain, test, and repair communication cables and equipment.

Experience

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

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

  • Digs holes or trenches.
  • Demonstrates equipment and instructs customer in use of equipment.
  • Plans layout and installation of data communications equipment.
  • Adjusts or modifies equipment in accordance with customer request or to enhance performance of equipment.
  • Cleans and maintains tools, test equipment, and motor vehicle.
  • Repairs, replaces, or adjusts defective components.
  • Communicates with base, using telephone or two-way radio, to receive instructions or technical advise or to report unauthorized use of equipment.
  • Examines and tests malfunctioning equipment to determine defects, using blueprints and electrical measuring instruments.
  • Answers customers' inquiries or complaints.
  • Measures distance from landmarks to identify exact installation site.
  • Assembles and installs communication equipment, such as data communication lines and equipment, computer systems, and antennas and towers, using hand tools.
  • Evaluates quality of performance of installed equipment by observance and using test equipment.
  • Disassembles equipment to adjust, repair, or replace parts, using hand tools.
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, which includes adjustment, repair, and painting.
  • Measures, cuts, splices, connects, solders, and installs wires and cables.
  • Determines viability of site through observation and discusses site location and construction requirements with customer.
  • Climbs poles and ladders; constructs pole, roof mounts, or reinforcements; and mixes concrete to enable equipment installation.
  • Reviews work orders, building permits, manufacturer's instructions, and ordinances to move, change, install, repair, or remove communication equipment.
  • Tests installed equipment for conformance to specifications, using test equipment.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Deal With External Customers
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
       TOP    

    • End of Page