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Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service - 43-2011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • CBX Operator (Computerized Branch Exchange Operator)
  • Central Communications Specialist
  • Communications Operator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Information Specialist
  • PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator)
  • Switchboard Operator (SB Operator)
  • Switchboard Receptionist (SB Receptionist)
  • Telecommunications Clerk
  • Telecommunications Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

43-0000 Office and Administrative Support Occupations
43-2000 Communications Equipment Operators
43-2010 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
43-2011.00 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls or taking messages as necessary.
  • Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
  • Complete forms for sales orders.
  • Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
  • Greet visitors, log them in and out of the facility, assign them security badges, and contact employee escorts.
  • Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
  • Monitor alarm systems to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
  • Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, or route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
  • Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
  • Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging or interoffice communication equipment.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments or meeting rooms, or sending and receiving faxes.
  • Perform various cash handling tasks, such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, or managing petty cash.
  • Perform various data entry or word processing tasks, such as updating phone directories, typing or proofreading documents, or creating schedules.
  • Place orders, such as for equipment, supplies, or catering for meetings.
  • Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
  • Process incoming or outgoing mail, packages, or deliveries.
  • Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity or conciseness.
  • Relay or route written or verbal messages.
  • Stamp messages with time and date and file them appropriately.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Answer customer questions about goods or services.
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
  • Collect deposits, payments or fees.
  • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
  • File documents or records.
  • Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
  • Maintain call records.
  • Maintain security.
  • Monitor alarm systems.
  • Operate audio recording equipment.
  • Operate communications equipment or systems.
  • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
  • Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
  • Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
  • Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
  • Relay information between personnel.
  • Schedule appointments.
  • Sort mail.
  • Type documents.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Battle Management Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Communications Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Global Command and Control System-Maritime Group Level 4.1 (GCCS-M GL 4.1) Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Operations Specialist (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Operations Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Communication-Center Operator
  • Switchboard Operator, Police District
  • Telephone Clerk, Telegraph Office
  • Telephone Operator
  • Telephone-Answering-Service Operator