Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

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.

Splice cables, using hand tools, epoxy, or mechanical equipment.85
Inspect or test lines or cables, recording and analyzing test results, to assess transmission characteristics and locate faults or malfunctions.85
Clean or maintain tools or test equipment.79
Set up service for customers, installing, connecting, testing, or adjusting equipment, such as digital subscriber line modems.77
Travel to customers' premises to install, maintain, or repair audio and visual electronic reception equipment or accessories.77
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.76
Measure signal strength at utility poles, using electronic test equipment.75
Place insulation over conductors, or seal splices with moisture-proof covering.73
Compute impedance of wires from poles to houses to determine additional resistance needed for reducing signals to desired levels.71
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduits running through trenches.69
Explain cable service to subscribers after installation, and collect any installation fees due.65
String cables between structures and lines from poles, towers, or trenches, and pull lines to proper tension.64

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Fill and tamp holes, using cement, earth, and tamping devices.64
Pull cable through ducts by hand or with winches.63
Dig trenches for underground wires or cables.63
Install equipment such as amplifiers or repeaters to maintain the strength of communications transmissions.62
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.54
Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.53
Dig holes for power poles, using power augers or shovels, set poles in place with cranes, and hoist poles upright, using winches.48
Participate in the construction or removal of telecommunication towers or associated support structures.37
Locate and mark cables that are buried underground.—

Skills

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

Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening50
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.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Maintenance50
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation50
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operation and Control50
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

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Repairing50
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning41
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing38
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Systems Analysis31
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources22
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Material Resources13
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

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

Telecommunications86
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Customer and Personal Service81
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.
Engineering and Technology75
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.
Computers and Electronics73
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security71
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.
Building and Construction68
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Production and Processing63
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language60
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design59
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Transportation58
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administrative57
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mechanical57
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Education and Training55
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics55
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management52
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.
Communications and Media50
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 Marketing50
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.
Geography49
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.
Personnel and Human Resources47
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting44
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government38
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Physics29
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.
Foreign Language20
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.
Biology16
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry12
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.
Sociology and Anthropology12
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Medicine and Dentistry9
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.
Psychology8
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.
Therapy and Counseling8
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
History and Archeology6
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology3
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.
Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension66
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity63
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.
Deductive Reasoning56
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering56
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 Dexterity56
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination56
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.
Trunk Strength56
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Extent Flexibility53
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Static Strength53
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
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.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Gross Body Coordination47
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium47
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Response Orientation44
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.
Speech Recognition44
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Stamina44
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception41
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.
Dynamic Strength41
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Written Expression41
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Reaction Time38
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Time Sharing38
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Number Facility31
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Rate Control31
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.
Spatial Orientation31
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Fluency of Ideas28
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 Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
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.
Originality28
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.
Dynamic Flexibility25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength25
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Sound Localization22
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Night Vision19
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Speed of Limb Movement16
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment81
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials78
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities77
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.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems76
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge71
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public70
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information68
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Handling and Moving Objects67
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

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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.
Training and Teaching Others65
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Working with Computers65
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information63
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People63
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment61
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.
Controlling Machines and Processes60
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Thinking Creatively60
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment59
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information58
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Analyzing Data or Information53
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization52
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.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships52
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Coaching and Developing Others51
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Scheduling Work and Activities51
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies50
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates49
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others49
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others47
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Assisting and Caring for Others46
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others44
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others43
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams41
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment41
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.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources38
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others34
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units29
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

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

Dependability80
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness64
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance57
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance47
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability42
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity36
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation34
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control32
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence31
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation30
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.
Initiative28
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Intellectual Curiosity19
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Sincerity17
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity10
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Social Orientation7
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility4
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Innovation4
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy3
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Realistic91
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.
Conventional53
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.
Investigative25
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.
Enterprising17
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.
Social10
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.

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day95%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others86%
- Contact with others most of the time13%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day90%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day84%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom73%
- Some freedom23%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day75%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day57%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important54%
- Very important32%
- Important12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom46%
- Some freedom49%
Time Pressure
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day53%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important43%
- Important12%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day81%
- Never19%

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E-Mail
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never11%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important57%
- Very important14%
- Important19%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually47%
- More than half the time34%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important34%
- Very important23%
- Important39%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- High responsibility38%
- Moderate responsibility32%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually24%
- More than half the time35%
- About half the time40%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)22%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)46%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)19%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)12%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results40%
- Moderate results32%
- Minor results23%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually23%
- More than half the time44%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time13%
Duration of Typical Work Week
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive31%
- Highly competitive11%
- Moderately competitive46%
- Slightly competitive12%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility27%
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility15%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important13%
- Very important52%
- Important25%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually33%
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time22%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually22%
- More than half the time32%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time23%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually22%
- More than half the time34%
- Less than half the time38%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never11%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time26%
- Less than half the time24%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never21%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never20%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious13%
- Very serious17%
- Serious17%
- Fairly serious41%
- Not serious at all12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month49%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time60%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time33%
- Never17%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never45%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated38%
- Not at all automated33%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important16%
- Important19%
- Not important at all52%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a year or more but not every month49%
- Never35%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)29%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)71%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never66%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Never76%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Slack
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Workforce management system software
Facilities management software
Mapcom systems M4
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Cisco IOS
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Transaction security and virus protection software
Ping tools
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software
Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software

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.

Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
Connect electrical components or equipment.
Inspect telecommunications equipment to identify problems.
Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
Maintain work equipment or machinery.
Install audio or communications equipment.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.
Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
Measure equipment outputs.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.

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Calculate requirements for equipment installation or repair projects.
Lay cables to connect equipment.
Collect payments for goods or services.
Explain use of products or services.
Compact materials to create level bases.
Dig holes or trenches.
Move large objects using heavy equipment.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Assemble metal structures.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Cable Television Installer
Line Installer-Repairer
Overhead Utility Installer Technician
Transmission Line Worker
Underground Utility Installer Technician

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