Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Job Description & Career Opportunities

Radio and telecommunications equipment installation and repair workers are responsible for repairing a wide range of equipment. Many specialize in regards to a specific type of equipment.Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Job Responsibilities

Workers employed at central offices are hubs perform some of the most complex type of work. Switch hubs contain the routers and switches that direct the actual information to their final destinations. Repairers and installers are responsible for setting up those routers and switches. Increasing technology has now made it possible for switches to actually alert a central office repair worker of the presence of a malfunction. In some cases it is possible to diagnose as well as correct malfunctions from a remote location. This type of technology is also becoming common in telecommunications and cable television. Cable television distribution centers are known as headends. Technicians employed in headends perform much of the same type of work as a central office technician; however, they are employed in the cable television field.

When a problem occurs with telecommunications equipment it is the job of a repairer to diagnose the source of the malfunction. This is done by testing each equipment part. As a result, the worker must understand the way in which the hardware and software interact. In order to locate the source of the issue, the worker must often utilize network analyzers, spectrum analyzers or in some cases both to detect any type of distortion that may be present in the signal. They may use hand tools to repair the equipment, which might include screwdrivers and pliers. Newer equipment tends to be easier to repair because parts and boards are designed to be removed and replaced quickly. A repairer may also install programs or updated software.

A PBX installer and repairer is responsible for setting up private branch exchange or PBX switchboards. These switchboards relay outgoing, interoffice and incoming telephone calls within a single organization or location. They must first connect equipment to the communications cables and power lines in order to install the switches as well as the switchboards. In addition they must test the connection to be certain that a sufficient amount of power is present and that all communication links are properly working. Other job duties include installing equipment like telephone sets, alarms and power systems. Workers may also install equipment for specific features. Finally, the worker will perform a variety of tests to ensure that the equipment is functioning as it should. In the event of a problem, a PBX repairer will determine whether the problem is present in the PBX system or whether it is coming from telephone lines that are maintained by a local telephone company.

A station installer or home installer is responsible for installing and repairing telecommunications equipment and wiring within a business or home. They may install VoIP, Internet, telephone or other communications services by either connecting wiring that is already in existence to outside lines or installing new wiring inside the premises.

A radio mechanic is responsible for installing and maintaining radio transmission and receiving equipment. Such equipment is typically mounted on a transmission tower or on a tall building. This can include two-way communications systems that are found in airplanes, taxis, emergency vehicles and ships. New types of radio equipment are actually self-monitoring and can alert mechanics to a potential malfunction.
Telecommunications and radio installers and repairers typically work in areas that are air-conditioned, well lit and clean. In some cases they may need to travel to a service center or client’s location. Radio mechanics may often need to work on towers which can involve working at significant heights. This type of work can involve crawling, crouching, stooping, reaching and lifting. Most workers in this industry work full time. Some may need to work in the evenings or on weekends in order to meet client needs.

Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Training and Education Requirements

It has become increasingly common for employers to require postsecondary education in computer technology and electronics for entry into this field. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for more complex work.

Individuals employed in this field may advance by gaining experience and additional education. Some employer may provide initial on the job training. Formal classroom training typically involves communications systems, electronics and software in addition to hands on training while working with an experienced repair technician.

Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Salary and Wages

In 2008 the median yearly earnings for telecommunications equipment repairers and installers were $55,600, excluding line installers. Radio mechanics had median yearly earnings of $40,260.*

*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Certifications

Marine and aviation radio mechanics are required to obtain licensure through the Federal Communications Commission prior to working on aviation or marine radios. Licensure involves passing multiple exams on electronics fundamentals, radio law and maintenance practices. Certification can improve employment opportunities for all other fields in this industry. Certifications are offered through the Society of Cable and Telecommunications Engineers as well as the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair Professional Associations

Professional associations for workers in this industry include the Communications Workers of America as well as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Job Description & Career Opportunities

TV, Radio and Sports Announcers tend to be known by all and loved by most! These are the voices and faces you see or hear every day when driving to work, watching the news, perhaps even while you shop. Though their name might not be their actual birth name, you may know it as well as you know your friends’ names and indeed, announcers occasionally seem as though they are a friend because of their continued friendly presence during daily activities!
TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Job Responsibilities

Though you know the part of the job you hear or see, there is often much more to this position than simply reading a script out loud to an audience. An announcer may have to research and write his or her own information. They may be given a very general topic to discuss and need to determine what might interest the audience, and find timely information and fact check it for accuracy. Announcers may also have to perform live or taped interviews, in which case they need to research and obtain some background information about the person they’ll be interviewing, preparing an advance list of questions and topics to cover. An announcer may also need to make public appearances at station events, shaking hands, giving out autographs, and answering questions while promoting the station and sometimes its clients. An announcer may also be expected to do production work, which involves using computerized equipment to record and edit commercials and other promotional audio. Radio disc jockeys (“DJs” or “jocks”) do not select the music; this is done by a program director or music director.
TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Training and Education Requirements

Radio announcers typically have to have a high level of comfort with audio equipment. These skills may have been learned in high school or college in a radio program, but as technology changes often, it may be advisable to keep current on audio technology, researching the current tools and attending classes as needed.

A sports announcer needs to stay very current with events and figures within that sport as he or she is not only announcing plays but delivers commentary and analysis and is therefore expected to have a high level of knowledge of and passion for the sport. Often, former athletes or coaches of that sport are preferred applicants for sports announcer positions, as the audience presumes they have a firsthand knowledge of the game that an “outsider” may not have.

Some announcers get their start by performing low-level tasks in a station such as research, assisting at promotions, or college internships, and eventually may have the opportunity to be on the air; internships can also be valuable to acquire contacts and to become familiar with the equipment being utilized, and help to steer further training. College training may involve a broadcast program (some colleges have their own radio station) or public speaking, drama, or English classes. Announcers often have to update portions of a station’s website so some classes or familiarity with content management systems can be helpful. A good command of grammar, writing, research, and excellent diction are also valuable skills.

Acquiring a sample reel/CD or mp3 can be a valuable tool for obtaining employment. A typical path for an announcer is at a small station with a small audience, and moving up in audience size as their popularity grows, often moving from smaller cities to larger cities as their reputation grows.
TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Salary and Wages

This profession is considered fairly prestigious and is in demand by employees, so pay is typically low except for seasoned well-known professionals with a large following. Salaries vary widely, with the middle 50% earning between $8.82 and $21.04. The highest 10% earned more than $33.58 and the lowest earned $7.45. As of 2008, there were about 55,100 announcers in the United States; that figure is expected to decline by about 6 percent by 2018, as stations move toward automation and syndication.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Certifications

There are no certifications specific to this career.
TV, Radio and Sports Announcer Professional Associations

There are many professional associations for announcers as well as various trade magazines dedicated to the profession which can provide valuable insider information as to news and trends in stations across the country.

NAB, the National Association of Broadcasters, focuses on the technical aspects of television and radio. Membership includes access to conventions which showcase cutting edge technologies.

NASPAA, the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers, offers memberships which include voice training and equipment as well as an understanding of sports psychology. They are known for their annual announcer awards.

American Disc Jockey Association is a nonprofit which focuses on mobile/nightclub disc jockeys.

Many stations also have a broadcasting association wherein members can make local connections, find job postings, and find out more about stations and broadcasting trends within the state.

Radio Ink magazine is an industry magazine with news, classifieds, trends, and other resources. R&R magazine (Radio & Records) has merged with Billboard and serves a similar purpose.