Communicating with someone else in person is normally easy if the two people speak the same language and are close enough to hear each other. When people communicate through technology such as telephones or social media, however, it can be a bit more complicated. Someone needs to make sure that the technology is working properly before anyone can use it. Communications equipment operators help to make sure that people can use technology to communicate with each other.

Technology changes rapidly, and communications equipment operators need to keep up with current trends to be able to use what is available. Generally, people in this trade need a high school education, although training at a trade school or obtaining a degree at a university can help people in some jobs. Salaries start at $19 per hour or $39,000 per year and can rise to $36 per hour or $77,000 per year with experience.

Many communications equipment operators work as dispatchers for emergency services or as front desk clerks or receptionists. They might work as dispatchers for telephone or trucking companies, or for other businesses. Some of these jobs can be very intense, especially at fire stations or other emergency services, but other jobs can be much more relaxed. However, people in this field should be able to handle pressure. Generally, the job is not physically difficult, although it can involve long hours and hours of sitting.

Being able to think quickly is important in this job, especially in emergency services. Even in a job such as directory assistance, where people are generally not in danger, being able to give a quick answer is important. Generally, this job requires good vision with or without glasses and good hearing to be able to understand what people say and to find phone numbers and other information. With glasses and hearing aids, however, many people with limited vision or hearing can still do this job well.

Depending on the job, people in this field might not need to work much with their colleagues, but they need to be able to work well with the public. Being polite and helpful is essential for the job, and knowing how to guide people to the right action is also important. If someone calls for an ambulance, for example, the dispatcher needs to get information about what the problem is and to tell the caller what needs to be done before the paramedics arrive.

Some degree of manual dexterity is necessary for the job of communications equipment operator to be able to work with the machines. However, the main requirements are patience and the ability to diagnose and fix problems. Understanding the needs of customers and being able to anticipate problems can be helpful.

Working hours for this job can vary. Some people might be able to work regular hours, but evenings and weekend work is common. Being flexible is important since people in this trade might have to deal with unreliable schedules and part time work. Despite this, the job can be a good choice for many people. It could suit you well.

Bibliography:

Indeed. “Communications Officer.” https://ca.indeed.com/q-communications-operator-jobs.html?vjk=36131eb20f516ac0.

Learn.org. “What is a Communications Equipment Operator?” https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Communications_Equipment_Operator.html.

Payscale Canada. “Equipment Operator Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Equipment_Operator/Hourly_Rate.

Salary Expert. “Communication Equipment Operator.” https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/communication-equipment-operator/canada/ontario.