Job Description

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Admin, Clerical and General Office > Switchboard Operator

Salary National Average

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42380.0000 47630.0000 53560.0000

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Short Description:

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

Duties / Responsibilities:

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

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the audience's needs.

Job Zones

  • Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Related Experience: Some previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 3 months to 1 year preparation (4.0 to < 6.0)

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