# Tasks & work activities — communication infrastructure maintainer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-9052.00 (Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Travel to customers' premises to install, maintain, or repair audio and visual electronic reception equipment or accessories.
- **[Core]** Inspect or test lines or cables, recording and analyzing test results, to assess transmission characteristics and locate faults or malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Splice cables, using hand tools, epoxy, or mechanical equipment.
- **[Core]** Measure signal strength at utility poles, using electronic test equipment.
- **[Core]** Set up service for customers, installing, connecting, testing, or adjusting equipment.
- **[Core]** Access specific areas to string lines, or install terminal boxes, auxiliary equipment, or appliances, using bucket trucks, climbing poles or ladders, or entering tunnels, trenches, or crawl spaces.
- **[Core]** String cables between structures and lines from poles, towers, or trenches, and pull lines to proper tension.
- **[Core]** Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduits running through trenches.
- **[Core]** Clean or maintain tools or test equipment.
- **[Core]** Dig trenches for underground wires or cables.
- **[Core]** Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
- **[Core]** Pull cable through ducts by hand or with winches.
- **[Supplemental]** Place insulation over conductors, or seal splices with moisture-proof covering.
- **[Supplemental]** Install equipment such as amplifiers or repeaters to maintain the strength of communications transmissions.
- **[Supplemental]** Explain cable service to subscribers after installation, and collect any installation fees due.
- **[Supplemental]** Compute impedance of wires from poles to houses to determine additional resistance needed for reducing signals to desired levels.
- **[Supplemental]** Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.
- **[Supplemental]** Dig holes for power poles, using power augers or shovels, set poles in place with cranes, and hoist poles upright, using winches.
- **[Supplemental]** Fill and tamp holes, using cement, earth, and tamping devices.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
- Calculate requirements for equipment installation or repair projects.
- Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
- Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
- Collect payments for goods or services.
- Compact materials to create level bases.
- Connect electrical components or equipment.
- Dig holes or trenches.
- Explain use of products or services.
- Inspect telecommunications equipment to identify problems.
- Install audio or communications equipment.
- Install insulation in equipment or structures.
- Lay cables to connect equipment.
- Maintain work equipment or machinery.
- Measure equipment outputs.
- Move large objects using heavy equipment.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.