Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

• 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.
• Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
• Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
• Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
• Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
• Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
• Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
• Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
• Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.
• Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
• Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
• Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
• Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
• Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
• Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
• Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
• Designate cables available for use.
• Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
• Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
• Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
• Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
• Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers.