Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Telecom Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for connectivity? We're looking for a dedicated Telecom Technician to be the backbone of our communications infrastructure. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our telecommunications systems—from installation and configuration to maintenance and emergency repairs. You will work directly with a variety of technologies, including VoIP, traditional PBX, structured cabling, and network hardware. This position offers the chance to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team, ensuring seamless communication for our clients and internal operations. If you thrive on technical challenges and take pride in delivering robust, reliable solutions, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Field Service Technician
Cable Installer / Technician
IT Helpdesk Support (Tier 1/2)
Electronics Technician Apprentice

Advancement To:

Senior Telecom Technician / Team Lead
Network Engineer
Field Operations Manager
Telecommunications Project Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Data Center Technician
Network Administrator
Security Systems Installer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Install, terminate, test, and certify low-voltage structured cabling, including Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and both single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables.
Mount and install telecommunications hardware such as racks, cabinets, patch panels, and associated network equipment in data closets and server rooms.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex issues related to voice, data, and network services, including VoIP/SIP connectivity, PBX systems, and data network outages.
Perform comprehensive testing and analysis of telecommunications circuits and components using specialized tools like Fluke network testers, OTDRs, and signal level meters.
Configure, deploy, and provide ongoing support for various telecommunications systems, including VoIP phone systems (e.g., Cisco, Avaya, Mitel), PBX, and key systems.
Respond to service tickets and dispatch requests in a timely manner, adhering to strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for incident resolution.
Conduct thorough site surveys to assess customer needs, identify potential installation challenges, and create detailed plans for equipment placement and cabling pathways.
Execute MAC (Moves, Adds, and Changes) for telephony endpoints, user extensions, and associated network port configurations.
Interpret and work from technical documentation, including blueprints, network diagrams, wiring schematics, and cut-sheets, to ensure accurate installations.
Maintain meticulous records of all work performed, including updating ticketing systems, creating as-built documentation, and labeling infrastructure according to TIA/EIA standards.
Collaborate with network engineers and project managers to ensure seamless integration and deployment of new telecommunications projects and system upgrades.
Perform preventative maintenance on telecommunications infrastructure to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of the systems.
Educate and train end-users on the proper use of new phone systems and features to ensure a smooth transition and user adoption.
Manage and maintain an inventory of tools, equipment, and spare parts, ensuring all resources are in good working order and available for service calls.
Adhere to all safety protocols and industry best practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operation of tools and ladders.
Program and configure telephony features such as auto-attendants, call routing, voicemail systems, and hunt groups based on client specifications.
Install and maintain peripheral systems connected to the telecom network, such as overhead paging systems, access control, and CCTV security cameras.
Participate in an on-call rotation to provide after-hours and emergency support for critical system failures and network outages.
Decommission and remove obsolete cabling and equipment in accordance with company and environmental standards.
Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple service calls or projects simultaneously to meet deadlines and customer expectations.
Provide exceptional customer service during all interactions, clearly communicating technical issues and resolutions to non-technical stakeholders.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Structured Cabling: Expertise in running, terminating, and testing Cat5/6 and fiber optic cabling according to TIA/EIA standards.
VoIP & SIP Protocols: Deep understanding of Voice over IP technologies, SIP trunking, and troubleshooting call quality issues (jitter, latency, packet loss).
PBX/Key System Administration: Hands-on experience with programming and maintaining traditional and IP-based PBX systems (e.g., Avaya, Cisco CUCM, Mitel, ShoreTel).
Network Hardware Configuration: Basic to intermediate ability to configure and troubleshoot network switches, routers, and firewalls (Cisco, Juniper, etc.).
Telephony Test Equipment: Proficiency with tools such as tone generators, probe kits, butt sets, multimeters, and advanced cable certifiers (e.g., Fluke DTX/DSX).
Fiber Optics: Knowledge of fiber optic termination (fusion splicing, mechanical connectors), testing (OTDR, power meters), and cleaning procedures.
Network Protocols: Solid understanding of the TCP/IP suite, including DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and QoS.
Reading Schematics: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, floor plans, and technical wiring diagrams.
Wireless Technologies: Familiarity with installing and troubleshooting Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and basic Wi-Fi principles.
Hardware Installation: Skill in physically installing server racks, cabinets, patch panels, and other data center or MDF/IDF hardware.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to systematically diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
Customer Service Orientation: A professional and courteous demeanor with a focus on delivering a positive customer experience.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical users and document work clearly.
Time Management: Ability to self-manage, prioritize tasks effectively, and work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to installation, labeling, and documentation to ensure accuracy and quality.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in various environments (office, construction site, data center) and adapt to new technologies and changing priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree in a technical field or completion of a vocational/technical school program.
Industry certifications such as BICSI Installer, CompTIA Network+, or vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA, Avaya ACSS).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Telecommunications Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
Computer Networking
Information Systems

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of hands-on experience in the telecommunications or a related field.

Preferred: Experience working in a multi-vendor environment (both voice and data) and a proven track record of supporting large-scale enterprise or carrier-grade networks.