What Do Radio Operators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Radio Operators

Radio Operators receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.

Salary
$49250
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

Radio Operators receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment. They also operate sound-recording equipment to record signals and preserve broadcasts for purposes such as analysis by intelligence personnel.

Other tasks include:

  • Monitor emergency frequencies to detect distress calls and respond by dispatching emergency equipment.
  • Send, receive, and interpret coded messages.
  • Communicate with receiving operators to exchange transmission instructions.
  • Repair radio equipment as necessary, using electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
  • Operate radio equipment to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations.
  • Broadcast weather reports and warnings.

We asked Radio Operators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

68%

How meaningful is this job

49%


68% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Radio Operators operate sound-recording equipment to record signals and preserve broadcasts for purposes such as analysis by intelligence personnel. They turn controls or throw switches to activate power, adjust voice volume and modulation, and set transmitters on specified frequencies.

  • Operate radio equipment to communicate with ships, aircraft, mining crews, offshore oil rigs, logging camps and other remote operations.
  • Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for activities such as flight testing and fire locations.
  • Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests to ensure that operations standards are met.
  • Monitor emergency frequencies to detect distress calls and respond by dispatching emergency equipment.
  • Communicate with receiving operators to exchange transmission instructions.

We asked some Radio Operators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 92% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 83% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 73% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 85% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 40% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 70% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Radio Operators also determine and obtain bearings of sources from which signals originate, using direction-finding procedures and equipment. They may also repair radio equipment as necessary, using electronic testing equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Radio Operators Broadcast weather reports and warnings. They might also Examine and operate new equipment prior to installation to ensure that it performs properly.

In addition, they Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests to ensure that operations standards are met.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Review applicable regulations regarding radio communications, and report violations.

To some Radio Operators, it is also their responsibility to Set up antennas and mobile communication units during military field exercises.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Radio Operator, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Radio Operators work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
94%


Never
6%


Do Radio Operators work outdoors?

Never
73%


Once a year
9%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Organizers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Radio Operators

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Related to Radio Operators Job Description

Radio Operators job description, what do Radio Operators do, typical day for Radio Operators, what is it like to work as a Radio Operator, how many hours do Radio Operators work, day to day work of a Radio Operator

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes274013.htm


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