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Career Details : Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

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Description

String and repair telephone and television cable, including fiber optics and other equipment for transmitting messages or television programming.

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

  • Computes impedance of wire from pole to house to determine additional resistance needed for reducing signal to desired level.
  • Ascends poles or enters tunnels and sewers to string lines and install terminal boxes, auxiliary equipment, and appliances, according to diagrams.
  • Cleans and maintains tools and test equipment.
  • Measures signal strength at utility pole, using electronic test equipment.
  • Repairs cable system, defective lines, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Collects installation fees.
  • Fills and tamps holes, using cement, earth, and tamping device.
  • Explains cable service to subscriber.
  • Pulls lines through ducts by hand or with use of winch.
  • Installs and removes plant equipment, such as call boxes and clocks.
  • Digs holes, using power auger or shovel, and hoists poles upright into holes, using truck-mounted winch.
  • Installs terminal boxes and strings lead-in wires, using electrician's tools.
  • Connects television set to cable system, evaluates incoming signal, and adjusts system to ensure optimum reception.

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    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
    • Provide a Service to Others
    • Outdoors
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