Tower Equipment Jobs: Radio, Cellular Repairers

Also called: Avionics Repair Technician, Avionics Technician, Broadcasting Equipment Mechanic, Cell Tower Climber, Cellular Equipment Installer

Tower Equipment Jobs: Radio, Cellular Repairers

Varies

estimated salary

Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers repair, install or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.

  • Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
  • Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.
  • Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
  • Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
  • Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
  • Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
  • Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
  • Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).
  • Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.
  • Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
  • Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
  • Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
  • Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.
  • Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
  • Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
  • Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
  • Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.
  • Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
  • Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
  • Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
  • Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
  • Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
  • Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.
  • Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
  • Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
  • Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
  • Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
  • Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
  • Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference, and signal delay, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, and wattmeters.
  • Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — 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.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Bolt objects into place.
  • Inspect telecommunications equipment to identify problems.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
  • Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
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