Electronics
Communications Technician
The communications technician can work in broadcasting electronics, cable television, satellite communications, two-way radio, cellular
communications, fiber optics, or wireless transmissions.
Unless you choose to get into the manufacturing end, where jobs tend to be
more routine, work in these areas offers a lot of variety. You may be on top of a mountain installing or repairing equipment one day, and in an
office the next. Often the variety includes computer work, installation, equipment modification, and system engineering.
The plus
side in this area is higher pay, but the downside can include working by yourself (not necessarily a negative) and being on-call 24 hours a day
. Because of the variety and the higher pay, competition for these jobs is greater and the individual must gain experience before advancing
into them.
Duties:
The communications technician is responsible for the maintenance, installation, calibration, and repair of communication equipment. This
equipment may include transmitters and receivers, signal processing equipment, antennas, coaxial and fiber optic transmission lines, and mobile
equipment. The communications technician also operates a variety of specialized test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, time domain
reflectometers (TDRs), power meters, frequency counters, network analyzers and RF generators. Additionally, the communication technician uses
hand tools to replace defective components and adjust equipment to ensure that it performs within required specifications. The communications
technician may work out of doors as a field technician or in an indoor repair facility or studio.
Qualifications:
The communication technician must have manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
Because the communications technician may be involved with the repair or manufacturing of mechanical devices, the use of hand and power tools
is also a necessity.
Job Opportunities:
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2000-2001), employment in this area is expected to increase by 10 to 20 %
from its current numbers. Growth will be driven by the increasing demand for sophisticated telecommunications equipment, digital television,
and wireless communication systems. Graduates may find work as radio and television broadcast engineers, telecommunication specialists or in
the manufacturing industry. Opportunities should be best for graduates with both communication and computer skills.