Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

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

Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Other Job Titles for Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Travel to customers' premises to install, maintain, and repair audio and visual electronic reception equipment and accessories.
• Inspect and test lines and cables, recording and analyzing test results, to assess transmission characteristics and locate faults and malfunctions.
• Splice cables, using hand tools, epoxy, or mechanical equipment.
• Measure signal strength at utility poles, using electronic test equipment.
• Set up service for customers, installing, connecting, testing, and adjusting equipment.
• Place insulation over conductors, and seal splices with moisture-proof covering.
• Access specific areas to string lines and install terminal boxes, auxiliary equipment, and appliances, using bucket trucks, or by climbing poles and ladders or entering tunnels, trenches, or crawl spaces.
• String cables between structures and lines from poles, towers, or trenches and pull lines to proper tension.
• Install equipment such as amplifiers and repeaters in order to maintain the strength of communications transmissions.
• Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduits running through trenches.
• Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks; then pull lines through ducts by hand or with winches.
• Clean and maintain tools and test equipment.
• Explain cable service to subscribers after installation, and collect any installation fees that are due.
• Compute impedance of wires from poles to houses in order to determine additional resistance needed for reducing signals to desired levels.
• Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, including digger derricks, trenchers, and cable plows.
• Dig trenches for underground wires and cables.
• Dig holes for power poles, using power augers or shovels, set poles in place with cranes, and hoist poles upright, using winches.
• Fill and tamp holes, using cement, earth, and tamping devices.
• Participate in the construction and removal of telecommunication towers and associated support structures.
• Designate cables available for use.
• Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
• Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
• Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
• Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
• Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
• Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
• Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
• Install updated software, and programs that maintain existing software and/or provide requested features such as time-correlated call routing.
• Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
• Perform database verifications, using computers.
• Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
• Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
• Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components, and painting worn or exposed areas.
• Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
• Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
• Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.
• Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.
• Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.
• Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.

Emerging Tasks

• Test and repair track circuits.
• Explain proper operation of vehicle systems to customers.
• Inspect, repair, or replace brake systems.
• Weld, repair, and fabricate various equipment and machinery.
• Unlock cars and other vehicles.
• Order bicycle parts.
• Sell bicycles and accessories.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• answer customer or public inquiries
• apply cleaning solvents
• bend tubing or conduit
• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• clean equipment or machinery
• climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
• collect fees
• compute production, construction, or installation specifications
• dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
• distinguish colors
• erect power or communication poles or towers
• install electrical conduit or tubing
• install electrical fixtures or components
• install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems
• install lead-in wires to control boxes and other components
• install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
• install power or communication lines, lead-in lines or cables
• install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
• maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• move or fit heavy objects
• operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
• operate pneumatic tamper to patch pavement or tamp earth
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read tape measure
• read technical drawings
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• repair power or communication lines
• splice electric cable
• splice electric or communications trunk lines
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• use electrical line repair equipment
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use soldering equipment
• use two-way radio or mobile phone
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• prepare site or surfaces for concrete or masonry work
• provide customer service
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• replace electronic components
• resolve customer or public complaints
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• splice electric cable
• splice electric or communications trunk lines
• test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
• test electronic or electrical circuit connections
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical information for electronic repair work
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use soldering equipment
• use two-way radio or mobile phone
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use combination welding procedures
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of ventilation systems
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• use control or regulating devices to adjust or maintain industrial machinery
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use high voltage apparatus
• use knowledge of metric system
• use knowledge of ventilation systems
• use knowledge of welding filler rod types
• use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
• use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision tools in electronics repair
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• use tube bending equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$22.70
• Average annual wage (2007) - $47,220.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 4.61%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 7,484
• Employment (2006): 162,317

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