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

Other names for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service: Private Branch Exchange Service Adviser, Receptionist, Registration Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Answering Service Telephone Operator, Cbx Operator, Combination Operator, Route Clerk, Secretary, Switchboard Operator, Switchboard Receptionist, Switching Clerk, Tandem Operator, Telecommunications Clerk, Telecommunications Operator, Command and Control Specialist, Communication Center Operator, Communication Coordinator, Communication Specialist, Complaint Operator, Customer Communications Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Desk Operator, Dispatcher, Exchange Operator, Front Desk Receptionist, Office Assistant, Operator, Operators Teacher, PBX Operator (Private Branch Exchange Operator), PBX Teacher, Police District Switchboard Operator, Telecommunicator, Telegraph Office Telephone Clerk, Telephone Answering Service Operator, Telephone Operator, Telephone Switchboard Operator, Test Operator, Through Operator, Traffic Observer, Traffic Operator,

• Operate communication systems, such as telephone, switchboard, intercom, two-way radio, or public address.
• Answer incoming calls, greeting callers, providing information, transferring calls and/or taking messages as necessary.
• Route emergency calls appropriately.
• Page individuals to inform them of telephone calls, using paging and interoffice communication equipment.
• Relay and route written and verbal messages.
• Place telephone calls or arrange conference calls as instructed.
• Perform clerical duties, such as typing, proofreading, accepting orders, scheduling appointments, and sorting mail.
• Monitor alarm systems in order to ensure that secure conditions are maintained.
• Contact security staff members when necessary, using radio-telephones.
• Keep records of calls placed and charges incurred.
• Record messages, suggesting rewording for clarity and conciseness.
• Stamp messages with time and date, and file them appropriately.
• Answer simple questions about clients' businesses, using reference files.
• Complete forms for sales orders.