Cell Tower Technicians

Key Responsibilities

• Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.
• Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.
• 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.
• Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.
• Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.
• Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.
• Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.
• Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.
• Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.
• Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.
• Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.
• Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.
• Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.
• Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.
• Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.
• Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.
• Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
• Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.
• Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.
• 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.
• Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.
• Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.
• 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.
• Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.
• Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.
• Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.
• Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.
• Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.
• Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.