Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1.3

SWITCHBOARD OPERATORS operate telecommunication switchboards and consoles to assist callers establish telephone connections, and receive caller inquiries and fault reports.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications outlined below.

In Australia:
AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

In New Zealand:
NZQF Level 1 qualification, or compulsory secondary education (ANZSCO Skill Level 5)

For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification. In some instances no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

Tasks Include:

operating switchboards and consoles to connect, hold, transfer and disconnect telephone calls;
responding to callers' inquiries by providing information such as telephone numbers, dialling codes, call costs, time delays and service difficulties;
investigating operating system problems and informing maintenance services;
alerting emergency services when required;
recording details and determining charges for designated types of calls;
may monitor the efficiency of systems and maintain service sampling records.

Occupation:

561611 Switchboard Operator