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Job Definition
Receive and transmit communications using radiotelegraph or radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.
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. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Knowledge
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening - 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.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Tasks
Review applicable regulations regarding radio communications, and report violations.
Send, receive, and interpret coded messages.
Set up antennas and mobile communication units during military field exercises.
Communicate with receiving operators in order to exchange transmission instructions.
Determine and obtain bearings of sources from which signals originate, using direction-finding procedures and equipment.
Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for activities such as flight testing and fire locations.
Monitor emergency frequencies in order to detect distress calls and respond by dispatching emergency equipment.
Operate radio equipment in order to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations.
Turn controls or throw switches in order to activate power, adjust voice volume and modulation, and set transmitters on specified frequencies.
Broadcast weather reports and warnings.
Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests in order to ensure that operations standards are met.
Coordinate radio-related aspects of locating and contacting airplanes and ships that are missing or in distress.
Examine and operate new equipment prior to installation in order to ensure that it performs properly.
Operate sound-recording equipment in order to record signals and preserve broadcasts for purposes such as analysis by intelligence personnel.
Repair radio equipment as necessary, using electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 100 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 90 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about -1 openings due to growth and about 3 replacement openings for approximately 2 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant decline.

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair one- and two- way communications equipment and systems, including television cable systems and mobile or stationary communication devices. Includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of communications systems.
Similar Occupations
Broadcast Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.
Sound Engineering Technicians - Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers - Receive complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police patrol units in vicinity of complaint to investigate. Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information or orders to proper officials.
Radio Mechanics - Test or repair mobile or stationary radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communications systems used in ship-to-shore communications and found in service and emergency vehicles.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers - Set-up, rearrange, or remove switching and dialing equipment used in central offices. Service or repair telephones and other communication equipment on customers' property. May install equipment in new locations or install wiring and telephone jacks in buildings under construction.
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers - String and repair telephone and television cable, including fiber optics and other equipment for transmitting messages or television programming.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators - Control nuclear reactors.
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