Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.86
Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.86
Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.86
Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.85
Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.84
Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.84
Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.83
Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.79
Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.78
Prepare documents, such as invoices or warranties.78
Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.76
Mount raceways and conduits and fasten wires to wood framing, using staplers.76

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Adjust sensitivity of units, based on room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.75
Provide customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.73
Keep informed of new products and developments.70
Order replacement parts.68

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Installation60
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Speaking60
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening56
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.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring53
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Repairing50
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Operation and Control47
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Maintenance44
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis41
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation41
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies35
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Public Safety and Security77
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.
Computers and Electronics68
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service66
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.
Telecommunications65
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction58
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology53
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.
English Language53
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mechanical53
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training51
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics48
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing44
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management39
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Design35
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Administrative30
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government29
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing27
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Physics26
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Economics and Accounting16
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources16
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Psychology12
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Chemistry10
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Foreign Language7
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Geography7
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Medicine and Dentistry1
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sociology and Anthropology1
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology0
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness60
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Deductive Reasoning60
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity60
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Extent Flexibility53
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

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Multilimb Coordination53
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Trunk Strength47
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Fluency of Ideas41
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Hearing Sensitivity41
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Gross Body Equilibrium38
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Depth Perception35
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Static Strength35
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Reaction Time28
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation28
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation28
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Peripheral Vision22
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control22
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Speed of Limb Movement13
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment84
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization82
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge81
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials78
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing General Physical Activities78
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Handling and Moving Objects75
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Working with Computers75
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information73
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information69
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Documenting/Recording Information65
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment65
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Analyzing Data or Information61
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships60
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings57
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively57
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies55
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others55
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public54
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Scheduling Work and Activities54
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information53
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment51
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Training and Teaching Others51
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment46
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Controlling Machines and Processes45
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others45
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others40
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others39
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities35
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others34
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams29
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Assisting and Caring for Others25
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others25
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources20
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units17
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity76
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness70
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance51
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance44
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation43
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Adaptability37
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Confidence37
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation33
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative32
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Control32
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

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Intellectual Curiosity28
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Sincerity24
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation21
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Innovation14
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy12
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Leadership Orientation6
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Humility5
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity3
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic95
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional66
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative39
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising10
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social6
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Telephone Conversations
- Every day99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day77%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results67%
- Important results30%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others72%
- Contact with others most of the time14%
- Contact with others about half the time11%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day82%
Freedom to Make Decisions
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important53%
- Very important30%
- Important12%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important54%
- Very important27%
- Important18%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day82%
- Never15%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually44%
- More than half the time46%
- About half the time11%

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Duration of Typical Work Week
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Never15%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important44%
- Very important22%
Time Pressure
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important24%
- Important19%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day59%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility29%
- Moderate responsibility25%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day60%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility21%
- High responsibility44%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Never17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time36%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious43%
- Very serious18%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)54%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)24%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)15%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never15%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time35%
- Never11%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive22%
- Slightly competitive17%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day47%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Never14%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important15%
- Important62%
- Fairly important15%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never11%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never17%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time22%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never14%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never37%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time64%
- Never11%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time39%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never13%
Public Speaking
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never44%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time50%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never28%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time18%
- Never40%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never51%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never68%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time52%
- Never41%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never75%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)24%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)76%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated20%
- Not at all automated77%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never86%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Network monitoring software
Traceroute
Video creation and editing software
Exacq Technologies software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Platform interconnectivity software
Microsoft Hyperterminal

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
Explain use of products or services.
Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.
Repair electrical components.
Repair electrical circuits or wiring.
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems.
Lay cables to connect equipment.
Inspect safety equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
Plan work procedures.

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Document operational activities.
Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
Run wiring to connect equipment.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Estimate costs for labor or materials.
Maintain knowledge of current developments in area of expertise.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Fire Alarm Inspection Test Maintenance Technician
Protective-Signal Installer
Special Hazards Fire Suppression System Tech

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology