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.

Refrigeration Mechanic Job Description & Career Opportunities

Refrigeration mechanics install and repair refrigeration systems. Some may also work with heating and air conditioning systems. They are also sometimes called refrigeration technicians. Most specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair. Some specialize in more specific aspects such as commercial refrigeration as opposed to residential.

They generally work from blueprints to install systems and components. A knowledge of motors, compressors and evaporators is required. They also often connect equipment to ducts, refrigerant lines and, of course, power. They need to know how to test systems and program the control system. Recycling and preserving refrigerants is a very important part of the job, as most refrigerants are toxic and environmentally damaging. They therefore need to be recycled or disposed of properly.

The work requires knowledge of the safe use of a variety of tools, including hammers, pipe cutters, measurement gauges and acetylene torches. A refrigeration mechanic also needs to know how to efficiently use testing devices to check airflow, temperature and power. Basic maintenance of tools and equipment is also a required skill.

Experienced mechanics may advance to become supervisors or service managers. Some may also become teachers at trade schools or similar. It is not unknown for an experienced refrigeration mechanic to start his or her own business.

The job requires a lot of physical effort and a certain amount of physical strength. It requires a level of math knowledge, fluency in English and the ability to read blueprints, circuit diagrams and mechanical drawings. Some basic chemistry knowledge is also helpful.

Refrigeration mechanics often deal directly with the general public, especially if they specialize in small appliances such as household refrigerators. They therefore need to be courteous and polite to customers. Some may be at least to some degree involved in sales, as they commonly advise customers on when replacement of an appliance is necessary. Therefore, they need some aptitude for customer service and the ability to deal with people and show a good attitude.

Refrigeration Mechanic Training and Education Requirements

Refrigeration training is offered by technical and trade schools as well as junior and community colleges. For high school students, computers, blueprint reading, electronics, applied physics and chemistry, mechanical drawing and shop math are recommended. Students should also develop knowledge of electronics and plumbing.
Alternatively, a prospective refrigeration mechanic can enter into a three to five year apprenticeship which combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training. These apprenticeships are paid work and include a lot of practical training. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and good reading and math skills. Some apprentices may receive college credits.

A few technicians acquire their skills entirely on the job, working as assistants to experienced mechanics.

Refrigeration Mechanic Salary and Wages

Most refrigeration mechanics are paid hourly. The average rate was $19.08 as of May, 2008. In general local government and wholesalers pay better, while building contractors pay worse. Apprentices start at about fifty percent of the rate paid to qualified workers. Also, some mechanics are self employed, with earning prospects that vary widely.*

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

Some mechanics belong to a union, generally either the Sheet Metal Workers International Association or the Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

Refrigeration Mechanic Certifications

Some states and localities require that refrigeration mechanics be licensed. The process varies, but always involves a test. Many also require either two to five years of experience as an assistant or completion of formal apprenticeship. Additionally, certification is required for handling refrigerants, due to the potential danger. This certification is split into three areas: Type I for small appliances, Type II for low pressure and Type III for high pressure refrigerants. Because of this most mechanics specialize in one of these three areas.

Additional certification can also be obtained, including tests to prove competency in areas such as commercial refrigeration. These tests are commonly offered at technical and trade schools. Various certificates of competency are also available from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute, HVAC Excellence and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. Although not a legal requirement these certifications are highly useful for advancement and higher rates of pay.

Refrigeration Mechanic Professional Associations

There are a number of professional associations to which a refrigeration mechanic might choose to belong. These include HVAC Excellence, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. In addition, some unions take refrigeration mechanics as members. Some mechanics might also choose to belong to the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.