# Tasks & work activities — telecommunications engineering technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-2022.00 (Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
- **[Core]** Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- **[Core]** Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
- **[Core]** Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
- **[Core]** Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
- **[Core]** Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
- **[Core]** Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
- **[Core]** Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
- **[Core]** Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
- **[Core]** Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
- **[Core]** Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
- **[Core]** Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
- **[Core]** Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
- **[Core]** Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
- **[Core]** Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
- **[Core]** Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
- **[Core]** Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
- **[Core]** Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
- **[Core]** Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
- **[Core]** Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
- **[Core]** Perform database verifications, using computers.
- **[Core]** Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.
- **[Supplemental]** Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
- **[Supplemental]** Designate cables available for use.
- **[Supplemental]** 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.
- **[Supplemental]** Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
- **[Supplemental]** Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
- **[Supplemental]** Install updated software and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features, such as time-correlated call routing.
- **[Supplemental]** Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
- **[Supplemental]** Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
- **[Supplemental]** Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components and painting worn or exposed areas.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
- **[Supplemental]** 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.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Advise others on issues related to repairs, installation, or equipment design.
- Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
- Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
- Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
- Clean work areas.
- Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
- Confer with coworkers to resolve equipment problems.
- Connect electrical components or equipment.
- Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
- Dig holes or trenches.
- Document operational activities.
- Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
- Enter codes or other information into computers.
- Explain use of products or services.
- Gather information about work conditions or locations.
- Inspect telecommunications equipment to identify problems.
- Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
- Install programs onto computer or computer-controlled equipment.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Investigate legal issues.
- Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
- Maintain work equipment or machinery.
- Measure distances or dimensions.
- Paint surfaces or equipment.
- Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
- Repair electrical components.
- Repair electronic equipment.
- Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
- Run wiring to connect equipment.
- Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
- Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
- Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
- Verify information or specifications.