Communication Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

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

Interests
Crafts - High Scorers on the Crafts scale usually:

prefer to work with tools and objects rather than with people and words like to build things want to see practical results from their work enjoy mechanical activities like work that requires physical strength

Typical jobs in crafts: auto technician, cook, carpenter, truck driver, farmer, electrician, aircraft mechanic

Tasks
People in this occupation usually engage in these work activities: 1. Adjusts or modifies equipment in accordance with customer request or to enhance performance of equipment. 2. Answers customers' inquiries or complaints. 3. Assembles and installs communication equipment, such as data communication lines and equipment, computer systems, and antennas and towers, using hand tools. 4. Cleans and maintains tools, test equipment, and motor vehicle. 5. Climbs poles and ladders; constructs pole, roof mounts, or reinforcements; and mixes concrete to enable equipment installation. 6. Communicates with base, using telephone or two-way radio to receive instructions or technical advise, or to report unauthorized use of

equipment. 7. Demonstrates equipment and instructs customer in use of equipment. 8. Determines viability of site through observation, and discusses site location and construction requirements with customer. 9. Digs holes or trenches. 10. Disassembles equipment to adjust, repair, or replace parts, using hand tools.

Skills
People in this occupation usually describe themselves as having these abilities: Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Knowledge
People in this occupation usually describe themselves as having education or training in these areas:

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Education / Training
Most employers seek applicants who have after high school training in electronics and a familiarity with computers. Training sources include: 2and 4-year college programs in electronics and communications. Trade schools, the military service, and equipment and software manufacturers also provide training. Newly hired workers also usually receive on-the-job training.

School and Postsecondary Programs

Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General. - A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install indoor and outdoor residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, and associated power transmission lines. Includes instruction in electricity, safety procedures, wiring, insulation and grounding, schematic blueprint interpretation, equipment operation and maintenance, and applicable codes and standards. Electrician. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Includes instruction in the principles of electronics

and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards. Lineworker. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair local, longdistance, and rural electric power cables and communication lines; erect and construct pole and tower lines; and install underground lines and cables. Includes instruction in cable installation and repair, fibre-optic technology, trenching, mobile equipment and crane operation, highvoltage installations, maintenance and inspection, safety, remote communications, and applicable codes and standards. Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair, General. - A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate, maintain, and repair electrical and electronic equipment. Includes instruction in electrical circuitry, simple gearing, linkages and lubrication of machines and appliances, and the use of testing equipment. Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair one- and two- way communications equipment and systems, including television cable systems and mobile or stationary communication devices. Includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of communications systems. Computer Installation and Repair Technology/Technician. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair computers and related instruments. Includes instruction in power supplies, number systems, memory structure, buffers and registers, microprocessor design, peripheral equipment, programming, and networking.

Wages
In 2002, the US annual wage range was between: $34,430 - $51,990

Job Outlook
In 2000, employment for Communication Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers in US was 188,722. It is anticipated that in the year 2010, employment in this area will number 182,919. There will be an decline of -580 positions annually (-0.31%).

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