Radio Operators job and career information

Career:
Radio Operator

Job Description: Receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.

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What Radio Operators do:

Monitor emergency frequencies in order to detect distress calls and respond by dispatching emergency equipment.
Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests in order to ensure that operations standards are met.
Broadcast weather reports and warnings.
Operate radio equipment in order to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations.
Turn controls or throw switches in order to activate power, adjust voice volume and modulation, and set transmitters on specified frequencies.

Communicate with receiving operators in order to exchange transmission instructions.

Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for activities such as flight testing and fire locations.

Review applicable regulations regarding radio communications, and report violations.

Examine and operate new equipment prior to installation in order to ensure that it performs properly.

Coordinate radio-related aspects of locating and contacting airplanes and ships that are missing or in distress.

Send, receive, and interpret coded messages.

Determine and obtain bearings of sources from which signals originate, using direction-finding procedures and equipment.

Operate sound-recording equipment in order to record signals and preserve broadcasts for purposes such as analysis by intelligence personnel.

Repair radio equipment as necessary, using electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

Set up antennas and mobile communication units during military field exercises.

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What work activities does a Radio Operator do?

Importance		Activities
		Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.