Telecommunications Technologist

Telecommunications technologists work with devices and systems involving the transmission and reception of information such as:

• the convergence of voice, digital data and video (broadcast and cable)
• fibre optics and optical networking 
• wireless communications (for example, radio, television, satellite, microwave, cellular)
• voice over Internet protocol (a method of moving voice conversation over the Internet) 
• computers and associated devices
• local and wide area networks
• broadband technologies
• traditional telephone systems (switching, transmission and multiplexing technologies).

Telecommunications technologists may be involved in:

• the implementation, analysis, installation, maintenance, management and integration of telecommunications systems and equipment
• the research and design of telecommunications systems 
• the manufacture of telecommunications devices and systems
• technical sales and product representation of telecommunications systems (for more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile).

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, telecommunications technologists:

• research, design, implement, analyze, manage and integrate telecommunications systems 
• plan, draw and analyse analog and digital electronic circuits related to telecommunications systems
• assist in the production and quality control of telecommunications systems and products
• implement software upgrades and hardware expansions for telecommunications and information processing networks
• prepare and present business and technical reports and plans.

Telecommunications technologists may work in offices, workshops or production departments. Occasionally, they work in equipment areas that may be in sheltered or unsheltered environments. Some travel may be required when commissioning or maintaining equipment. Lifting equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms sometimes is required.

Hours of work vary and may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines or deal with emergencies.

Telecommunications technologists need the following characteristics:

• an aptitude for and interest in science and mathematics
• analytical and problem solving skills
• leadership skills
• patience and persistence combined with good time management skills
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• fine motor skills and good hand-eye co-ordination
• the ability to work alone and with a team
• the ability to work under the pressure of deadlines
• good customer service skills
• a commitment to life long learning.

They should enjoy:

• working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery at tasks requiring precision
• analyzing problems and finding innovative solutions
• taking a methodical approach to building and testing systems
• supervising others.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Telecommunications technologists are employed by:

• cable and satellite communication companies
• wireless and fibre optic companies
• public and private telecommunications companies
• federal, provincial and municipal governments
• colleges, universities and technical institutes
• companies in the oil and gas industry
• private contracting and consulting organizations
• personal consulting services.

Experienced technologists may advance to supervisory and management positions.

Telecommunications technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Utilities
• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Public Administration.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 5,900 Albertans are employed in the Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 77 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As telecommunications technologists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for telecommunications technologists.  

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.