A cable technician plays a vital role in the telecommunications industry, responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing cable television and internet services for residential and commercial customers. In a fast-evolving field, these technicians ensure that reliable connectivity and entertainment experiences are delivered efficiently.
This job description template provides a clear overview of the typical responsibilities, required qualifications, and key skills needed to excel as a cable technician. Whether you are an employer seeking to attract suitable candidates or a job seeker preparing for your next opportunity, this guide will help you understand the expectations and requirements of this essential role.
Cable technicians are tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:
- •Installing cable and internet services in homes and businesses.
- •Troubleshooting and repairing cable systems to ensure optimal performance.
- •Conducting routine maintenance and inspections on existing installations.
- •Providing excellent customer service by explaining technical issues and solutions clearly.
- •Maintaining accurate records of work performed and materials used.
- •Collaborating with other technicians and team members to enhance service delivery.
To be successful in this role, candidates typically need:
- •A high school diploma or equivalent.
- •A valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- •Technical training or certification in telecommunications or a related field is preferred.
- •Strong understanding of electrical systems and cable installation processes.
- •Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- •Capacity to lift heavy equipment and stand for long periods during installations.
Successful cable technicians possess the following skills:
- •Technical proficiency with cable and internet systems.
- •Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- •Ability to work with handheld tools and testing equipment.
- •Good time management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
- •Customer-oriented attitude focusing on service quality and satisfaction.
Cable technicians often work in various settings, from inside residential homes to commercial buildings. The job may require physical labor in outdoor conditions, including working on poles or ladders.
Technicians may also be required to work during weekends or holidays based on customer needs.
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Key Responsibilities
1.
- •Perform 6–10 residential or 3–6 small-business installations per day: run coax or fiber, mount gateways, terminate connectors, and verify service. This ensures revenue-generating activations are completed on schedule.
2.
- •Respond to 10–20 tickets per day including signal loss, low SNR, and internet outages. Use a spectrum analyzer and DOCSIS diagnostics to identify root cause and restore service with a target 95% first-time-fix rate.
3.
- •Execute fusion splices, OTDR scans, and connector polishing to maintain <0.5 dB splice loss. Accurate fiber work reduces repeat truck rolls and downtime.
4.
- •Log all activity in the CRM within 24 hours: readings, photos, parts used, and time-on-site. Accurate records enable billing accuracy and performance metrics tracking.
5.
- •Keep truck stocked to meet 90% of calls without resupply; perform weekly vehicle inspections and follow fall-protection and ladder safety protocols to reduce incidents.
6.
- •Create detailed trouble reports for network-level faults, contributing data (ping logs, modem metrics) that help reduce repeat faults by 15%.
7.
- •Lead shadowing sessions and quarterly skill reviews to raise team first-time-fix rates and standardize best practices.
Actionable takeaway: Prioritize first-time fixes, timely documentation, and proactive safety to improve customer satisfaction and cut operational costs.
Required Qualifications
Technical skills
- •Coax and RF fundamentals (must): measure signal levels, SNR, and use a spectrum analyzer. Essential for diagnosing 70–80% of residential issues.
- •Fiber optics (must for many roles): fusion splicing, OTDR interpretation, and connector termination. Reduces repeat visits for fiber outages by up to 50%.
- •Networking basics (must): IP addressing, DHCP, NAT, and DOCSIS 3.0/3.1 configuration. Used daily when provisioning and troubleshooting gateways.
- •Hand and power tools (must): crimpers, drills, cable cutters, punch-down tools. Enables safe, repeatable installs.
Soft skills
- •Customer service (must): de-escalate calls, explain fixes in plain language, and achieve a 4.5/5 or higher satisfaction score.
- •Time management (must): prioritize 6–10 installs or 10–20 tickets per day and update CRM within 24 hours.
- •Problem solving (must): isolate issues using layered testing, reducing unnecessary escalations.
Education and certifications
- •High school diploma or equivalent (must).
- •Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (must). Expect routine background and drug screening.
- •SCTE certifications or FOA fiber cert (nice-to-have): demonstrates formal training in cable plant and fiber work.
- •CompTIA Network+ or similar (nice-to-have): validates IP/networking knowledge used during complex troubleshooting.
Experience requirements
- •Entry: 1+ year in field service or telecom; able to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders to 30 ft.
- •Experienced: 3+ years with documented installs, splices, and a 90% on-time completion rate.
Actionable takeaway: Hire for core technical competence and customer focus; add certifications for faster ramp-up and fewer escalations.