telecommunications-engineering-technician/references/tasks.md

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.