The Job of Communication Equipment Operators

The "communications equipment operator" is deployed usually as the switchboard operators with several business types. They work as part of technologies like "voice over internet protocol" and "private branch exchange" for transferring of calls from and to the office. They sometimes have to handle the responsibility of receptionists also. Their work environment will usually be well lit and pleasant but they may need to work for long hours.

At the present time, most of the telecommunications process has become automated but the job of a "communications equipment operator" is still there for helping telephone companies and their customers. They may have to handle other equipment for communication like telegraph equipment and satellite systems. They also have job opportunities in the military services (army, navy, air force) as radio officers. Their work as part of the armed services includes transmitting and receiving information based on the military protocols and handling classified military activities data. During the peak time they have to manage several calls. They generally work in varied shifts but if there is a workload they may have to work overtime. A career for them in the military demands the candidate to be physically fit.

Communication Equipment Operators need a professional diploma to work in the telecom industry. They are required to have a proper High School Diploma to get employed in the section. They can attend training classes also. Computer literacy is another requirement. Proficiency in foreign languages will be an added advantage. To work in some of the sections of the companies offering telecom services, mathematical knowledge is needed.



They have to have a thorough knowledge on the various aspects of their work as it is the most important factor which the employers will consider. You should be able to manage the hectic working schedule which will happen often.

• Applicants should have a clear power of speech along with good hearing and strong reading skills.
• A good knowledge of spelling and numerical skills is favored.
• An apt level of computer literacy with standard typing skills is held significant and acquaintance with a foreign language is obliging for some of the job openings.

These employees get training courses which focus on on-the-job training. There are classes conducted for a short period explaining the operation of specific requirements that can be helpful for people looking for a career as a "communications equipment operator". Operators at the entry level receive training generally at their offices or they attend classes in specialized institutions. In many of the offices newly recruited people will be working with experienced people so that they are able to learn the job well. In the training, they will get information regarding general policies and handling different queries. A "communications equipment operator" would have to attend a training that focuses on operation of sensitive and sophisticated instruments along with the needed military protocols. They will not get employment in the army if they are not able to complete their training successfully.

Like in any other field, being experienced can help you in getting a better job. However to get the entry level jobs experience is not mandatory. The promotion you get depends on the experience you have.

With an experience of minimum two years a person working in the operation of communication equipment can be promoted to other positions related to the field. The switchboard operator can become a dispatcher or receptionist. If their potential becomes evident, they can get employment in the section of customer service as well. If a person is looking forward to work in the technical section of their job, undergoing training in the respective field will be advantageous for them in terms of promotion. These sections include repair and installation of equipment. Some of the operators can get promotion to supervisory designations once they get adequate experience. The employment opportunities for communications equipment operators are bright for a qualified person.

Communication Equipment Operators get paid on an hourly basis and the scale ranges from $9.14 to $13.29 for an hour. The rate is often based on their organization and expertise level. The average annual salary is $70,000 annually.

You can find information regarding employment in the telecom services from leading newspapers and employment journals. The Internet can be a great help in the search for these jobs. You can get information related to the field apart from job vacancy news like the recent developments that took place in the industry of telecom.