How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nebraska

Nebraska has many cell towers, and it is necessary for each one to be maintained on a regular basis if the people of Nebraska want to stay in touch with everyone around the world.

The people in charge of maintaining that equipment, which is sometimes as high as 400 feet off the ground, are cell tower technicians.

These same people are also responsible for taking the necessary equipment up the tower and for repairing any equipment that may break down.

Let’s explore what it takes to become one of these individuals.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nebraska

1. Finish High School

Getting a high school diploma or GED is essential in this and every position today.

While in school, take any opportunity to learn as much as possible about telecommunication and electricity.

You might also want to pursue your CPR certification so that in the future, it will be easier to renew it.

Also, when you can, getting your driver’s license is something else you can do now to prepare for a future position as a cell tower technician in Nebraska.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities for cell tower technicians in Nebraska can take many forms.

You can do things like volunteer with a fire department or rescue group to gain these skills.

You can also look online for the many opportunities to either attend an online program for certification or for general cell tower technician work.

A third opportunity is to attend college or trade school programs in electricity or telecommunications.

These will help give you background skills you will use on the job.

Finally, calling various cell companies may help you find opportunities that they offer for hands-on training with their company.

3. Get Certifications

While the state of Nebraska doesn’t ask cell tower technicians to get a license of any type, the federal government does have standards that must be met.

Individual employers will also want to make sure their workers have at least the federal minimum.

Many require even more, so make sure you get any certifications you can in advance to help find your perfect position.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Background and drug screenings are commonplace these days in Nebraska and throughout the country.

The nature of cell tower technician positions makes it necessary for employers to know that their employees are safe not only from their coworkers but also from themselves.

While certain aspects of a record won’t affect employment, charges of violence and moral turpitude may eliminate your chances of being hired.

5. Find a Position

There are many avenues to explore when seeking a position.

First, upload your fully updated resume to all the places you can find for resumes.

Next, make sure you explore job boards, such as Indeed, daily.

There are numerous ones out there.

Another thing you can do is join groups that focus on telecommunications.

This helps you network and allows you to hear of possible positions in advance of them being posted.

Don’t hesitate to call cell companies and ask if they are hiring, or if you can at least send them your resume.

A final place to explore is a placement agency that works with telecommunications companies.

6. Continue Learning

It is important to take every opportunity you are presented with that furthers your knowledge and skills.

The field of cell technology is a growing one that changes often, and it is important to make sure your skills change and grow with it.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nebraska

Nebraska itself has no specific requirements for cell tower technicians.

The federal government has set minimum requirements that every cell company must follow, so individual employers will want to know that you meet these.

They may also require additional things.

A quick call to a company can gain you that information.

At the very least, you will want to get the following things.

OSHA 10 or 30  safety certification.

The ten-hour course is for entry-level positions, and the thirty-hour one is for those who wish to rise in the ranks and become supervisors or instructors.

National Wireless Safety Alliance (NATE) certificates.

These are TTT1 and TTT2 certifications, depending on the job level.

They also offer safe climbing courses and rescue certification.

Competent Climber and Rescuer Certification

Radio frequency (RF) safety certification.

This lets employers know you understand the dangers of radiofrequency and how to work safely with it.

CPR and First Aid training.

A valid driver’s license.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Nebraska

There are no dedicated cell tower technician programs in Nebraska, but that does not eliminate learning.

Educational opportunities for cell tower technicians in Nebraska can take many forms.

You can do things like volunteer with a fire department or rescue group to gain these skills.

You can also look online for the many opportunities to either attend an online program for certification or for general cell tower technician work.

A third opportunity is to attend college or trade school programs in electricity or telecommunications.

These will help give you background skills you will use on the job.

Finally, calling various cell companies may help you find opportunities that they offer for hands-on training with their company.

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in Nebraska Get Paid?

Nebraska cell tower technicians average $22.53 an hour, plus benefits.

This is $46,871 annually.

Cell Tower Technician by State