Telecommunication Manager Job Description

Telecommunications devices are maintained and repaired by telecommunications technicians, who are usually managed by telecommunications managers.

Telecommunications is the process of communicating information through the transmission of pulses, often through wires or through the air. Many organizations and individuals utilize telecommunications technology in order to communicate both internally and externally to companies and individuals. The telecommunications manager is responsible for making sure that all telecommunications services are working properly.

Function

The telecommunications manager oversees a telecommunications staff that consists of members such as the field coordinator, field technicians and telecommunications analysts. They are also responsible for all upgrades and maintenance performed on telecommunications devices that the company utilizes, including telecommunication device installation and alarm monitoring optimization. They must establish disaster recovery plans for the Wide Area Network whenever data is lost from electronic databases. Whenever the company receives bills for telecommunications services, the telecommunications manager is responsible for making sure that these bills are accurate. Programs must be implemented that are designed to reduce network downtime.

Conditions

The telecommunications manager works in a clean and well-lit office environment. Travel is not common since the telecommunications manager is mostly concerned with the telecommunications devices found within the office setting. In general, these managers work 40 hours a week. However, they sometimes have to work longer hours during emergencies regarding the telecommunications devices and sometimes are on-call during emergencies.

Skills

Many junior telecommunications technicians eventually are promoted to the position of telecommunications manager after many years of experience, according to Uline. In order to get hired for that junior position, a bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Telecommunications Management is needed. These managers must also demonstrate excellent problem solving skills and organizational skills in order to effectively resolve problems that can unexpectedly occur. Interpersonal and communication skills are necessary in order to clearly and effectively work with staff members beneath the manager. Multi-tasking skills are also very important since telecommunications managers often have to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Outlook

Between 2008 and 2018, the need for telecommunications managers is expected to grow by 23 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by a variety of factors such as the desire for businesses to increase efficiency and lower costs by increasing the amount of telecommunications conferencing that occurs. Also, new advances in technology will create new opportunities for businesses to communicate using telecommunications devices.

Earnings

In 2008, the median earnings for telecommunications analysts were $71,100, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $110,920, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,660.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Computer Network Administrators
• Information Technology: Telecommunications Manager
• Uline: Senior Telecommunications Manager