Job Description of a Radio Telephone Operator

Radio telephone operators frequently communicate with remote locations.

Communications with remote locations and entities like offshore oil rigs, mines, aircraft or ships are frequently impossible by traditional methods. like regular telephones. A radio telephone operator uses a telephone with a two-way radio transmitter, receiver and radio waves instead of cables or wires to exchange messages. According to Payscale, a radio telephone operator in the United States annually earned between $19,277 and $29,504 as of 2010.

Job Duties

Efficiently communicating vital information to remote locations is the primary job of a radio telephone operator. She sets up, operates and maintains sensitive equipment to establish solid verbal and encoded interactions regarding emergency situations, weather conditions and important job and mission directives. Her job requires monitoring communications to detect and decipher distress calls and notify appropriate agencies.

Skill Requirements

Knowledge of radio transmission systems is required, including the ability to use a wide range of transmitters, switches and controls to overcome communication hurdles. Acute listening skills are required to determine the urgency of received messages. Attention to detail is necessary to maintain accurate communication records.

Preferred Background

Training in electronic communications procedures and devices is sometimes required. Some organizations provide on-the-job training for this position. Background in dispatch operations or electronic equipment operation is desirable.

References

• CareerPlanner.com: Radio Telephone Operator Job Description
• Payscale.com: Radio Telephone Operator Salary