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Radio Operators, using equipment which converts sounds or signals into electromagnetic waves, send and receive voice or Morse code messages following procedures prescribed by federal regulations.

JOB DUTIES 

Radio Operators may:

Turn on power control switches of transmitting and receiving equipment

Turn dials to set frequency and other controls such as volume and tone

Record calls transmitted and messages received

Monitor the control panel to make sure that components are working correctly

Maintain communication systems by making routine tests and minor repairs

Keep logs of transmissions and records of testing results

Report violations of departmental or federal regulations

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Radio Operators may specialize in these areas:

193.262-010 AIRLINE RADIO OPERATORS send and receive messages and weather data between an airline ground station and aircraft or other ground stations by radiotelephone. They also relay instructions from air traffic control centers to aircraft when communications fail.

193.262-026 RADIO STATION OPERATORS send and receive messages at aircraft factory radio stations during flight testing and delivery of airplanes. They may operate radar and test equipment and dispatch fire trucks and other emergency equipment and personnel during test flights.

193.262-030 RADIOTELEGRAPH OPERATORS send and receive messages using radiotelegraph communications equipment such as telephone or teletype. They also call ships or stations by code and monitor emergency distress calls.

193.262-034 RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATORS control and repair radiotelephone transmitting and receiving equipment used for commercial communications.

193.262-022 RADIO OFFICERS operate and maintain radiotelegraph and radiotelephone equipment and accessories aboard ship.

193.362-010 PHOTORADIO OPERATORS send and receive radio photographs. They develop negatives, print photographs, and repair equipment as needed.

Radio broadcasting transmitter operators who work for commercial radio and television stations are included in MOIScript #275, Broadcast Technician.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Radio Operators may work alone or in teams with other Operators, communication technicians, engineers, ship captains, pilots, navigators, or police and emergency personnel.

Most Radio Operators work in comfortable, though confined, work areas which are usually clean and well lighted. A few Operators work outdoors, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.

Radio Operators may be subject to constant noise from radio communications, conversation of other personnel, and typing. Maintenance equipment occasionally exposes Operators to high voltage electrical circuits, which is not a problem when Operators follow safety regulations.

Generally, Radio Operators usually work a 40-hour week. In order to meet deadlines or during emergencies, they may be required to work overtime. In some establishments, 24-hour radio operation is required. They may be assigned to work afternoon, night, or swing shifts, weekends, and holidays. Operators employed in the transportation field may travel often. Radio Officers work a 7-day week with no days off while at sea and are continuously on call.

Radio Operators may join professional associations or unions. These include the American Radio Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Doing scientific and technical work

• Working with equipment and machinery

You Should Be Able To:

• Interpret instructions that are written and spoken

• Learn codes, symbols, and technical language

• Follow exact standards and regulations

• Perform a variety of duties

• Make decisions based on standards which can be measured or checked

• Stay alert for long periods of time

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the intensity of the sound coming from a radio that is putting out 60 decibels?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Characteristics of the human ear limit the perception of sound. Only sound waves with frequencies between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz can be heard.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining the results from testing a piece of equipment that you have conducted.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best settings for the control adjustments so you get the clearest reproduction of sound.

Requirements depend upon the type of transmission involved and whether or not the Operator repairs and maintains the equipment. A $35.00 processing fee is required for each license application, and only one type is allowed per application. There is a written and/or practical exam depending upon the type of license. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Depending upon their job duties, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a license for Radio Operators. Radio Operators who work on ships may be required to be licensed by both the FCC and the U.S. Coast Guard depending on their job requirements. Military installations require security clearance for Radio Operators.

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E DUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2400 MUSIC , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

148 RADIO & TELEVISION

Programs in Radio and Television provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in the production and broadcasting of radio and television programs. Programs focus on both professional and educational careers. In addition, individuals completing an approved teacher training program can earn a Michigan Teaching Certificate. (See program 157)

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

The ability to link air, sea, and ground forces through communication systems is critical in the military. Communications equipment operators enable these messages to be transmitted and received.

What They Do

Communications equipment operators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Transmit, receive, and log messages according to military procedures

• Encode and decode classified messages

• Operate different types of telephone switchboards

• Install, maintain, and operate communications equipment

• Monitor and respond to emergency calls

Physical Demands

Normal color vision, normal hearing, and the ability to speak clearly and distinctly are required to enter some specialties in this occupation. Operators must often sit for long periods.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 9 to 22 weeks of instruction, including practice with equipment. Course content typically includes:

• Use of various types of communications equipment

• Procedures for setting up communications equipment

• Maintenance and care of communications equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Work Environment

Communications equipment operators may work either indoors or outdoors, depending on the specialty. They may be assigned to ships, aircraft, land bases, or mobile field units.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include typing, English, and speech. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with communications equipment

• Interest in working with codes

• Ability to remain calm in an emergency

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian communications equipment operators work in airports, harbors, police stations, fire stations, telephone companies, telegraph companies, and many businesses. They may also work aboard ships. Their duties are similar to duties assigned to military communications equipment operators, although civilian communications equipment operators do not usually work in field units. They may be called radio operators, telephone operators, radiotelephone operators, switchboard operators or teletype operators, depending on their specialty.

Opportunities

The military has about 43,900 communications equipment operators. On average, the services need about 4,650 new operators each year. After job training, communications equipment operators prepare and send messages, work at switchboards, and type and file messages under supervision. With experience, they work more independently. In time, they may become supervisors of communications centers.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Learning Morse Code, participating in radio hobby groups, and building and operating an amateur radio station provide experience. Part-time or summer work in the communications or electronics industries may be helpful. In addition, postsecondary programs in radio and TV may offer co-op or internship opportunities for practical experience. Branches of military service offer training also. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. See apprenticeship file for sources of more information from the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Radio Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Radio Operator employer

community service work with an agency

Most Radio Operators find positions by applying directly to employers. Schools, professional associations, and unions may provide information on job opportunities. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services. 

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Radio Operators' wages vary by education, experience, employer, geographic location, job specialty, and type of FCC license.

Nationally in 1998, Broadcast Equipment Operators, including Radio Operators had median weekly earnings of $584 or $30,368 per year.

In the federal government (1999), Radio Operators with at least a third class license earned annual starting salaries of (GS-5) $20,588 or (GS-7) $28,242. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas. State of Michigan Communications assistants (Radio Operators) earned from $23,421 to $37,211 in 1999.

Radio Operators employed by Michigan county governments in 1999 had the following annual salary ranges:

Most Radio Operators receive health, life, and disability insurance; paid vacations and holidays; sick leave, and retirement plans. Airline-Radio Operators and their immediate families may receive free or reduced-fare transportation.

Advancement is determined by experience, job performance, education, and the FCC license held. A Radio Operator might advance to supervisory radio operator. An Airline-Radio Operator might be promoted to Chief Airline-Radio Operator or Radio Chief. 

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, the number of Radio Operators employed is unknown.

Employment of Radio Operators with technical education and skill remains steady. Automation, however, may affect the long-range outlook. Advanced communication devices may reduce the need for ground Radio Operators and teletypists.

About 275 Radio Operators are employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. Radio Operators were employed primarily with airlines and governmental agencies, such as the armed forces, state forestry departments, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The employment of Radio Operators is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Fewer than 10 annual openings are expected, with most of these due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

In general, opportunities will be best for persons familiar with standard communication codes and symbols and have at least a second-class radiotelephone FCC license. However, improved electronic communication devices and automation may limit opportunities for Radio Operators.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2000

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.