Satellite Installation Jobs
Satellite installation jobs involve installing and maintaining satellite receivers that provide telecommunication service in a client's business or home. Employment in the satellite installation industry may decline 9 percent from 2008 to 2018 as the telecommunications infrastructure becomes more reliable and fewer workers are required to make repairs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average satellite installer salaries at the time of publication were $29,000, reports SimplyHired.com.
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Duties
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Satellite installers are first responsible for evaluating a customer's potential satellite location and determining the best area to position a satellite dish to make sure the customer receives the best signal. For example, a satellite installer might put a satellite on a home's roof, on a pole mount on the property, or on the side of the building in an area in which trees will not block the signal.
Other Responsibilities
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After selecting an ideal location for a customer's satellite, a satellite installer runs shielded coaxial and networking cables from the satellite receiver into the customer's business or house. He must seal the areas in which he had to penetrate the structure to connect the cables to the receiver. Before leaving the work site, satellite installers should check the strength of the satellite signal and perform calibration of the customer's equipment to make sure it is in communication with the appropriate satellite.
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Skills
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Satellite installation jobs require individuals who have strong manual dexterity and are in a good physical condition. In addition, satellite installers should have solid verbal communication skills and customer service skills as they interact regularly with satellite service customers. These professionals also must know how to complete work orders for maintaining or repairing customer satellite equipment. In addition, satellite installers should have good training skills to teach customers how to operate their equipment and what to do when specific problems occur.
Education
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Employers typically require satellite installers to have at least a high school diploma or GED, although no standard education requirements exist in the satellite-installation field. However, individuals who have a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree in a field such as electronics may be more attractive to employers. Satellite installers generally complete a training program offered by their employers. Some states additionally require satellite installers to have a low voltage license. In addition, satellite installers can seek certification through organizations such as the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association or the Electronics Technicians Association, which involves passing an examination.
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References
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