Traveling Broadband Install Technician

Tasks

• Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain how it is to be used, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.

• 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.

• Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.

• Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.

• Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.

• Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.

• Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.

• Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.

• Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.

• Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.

• Repair or replace faulty equipment such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.

• Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.

• Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.

• Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.

• Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.

• Perform database verifications, using computers.

• Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.

• Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.

• Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.

• Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.

• Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.

• Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.

• Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.

• Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.

• 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.

• Designate cables available for use.

• Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.

• Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.

• Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.

• Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.

• Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.

• Install updated software, and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features such as time-correlated call routing.

• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components, and painting worn or exposed areas.

• Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.

• 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.

• Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.

• Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.

• Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.

• Place intercept circuits on terminals to handle vacant lines in central office installations.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• 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.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.