What does a tracer do?
The duties of a tracer primarily depend on their line of work or industry of employment. In the healthcare industry, a tracer plays a vital role in minimizing the spread of contagious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Also known as a contact tracer, they are primarily in charge of identifying individuals who came in contact and were potentially exposed to a patient diagnosed with the contagious disease, reaching out to them in order to inform them about the situation, initiate isolation protocol, conduct interviews to learn any symptoms, and refer them for testing.
Tracer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tracer resumes:
- Manage and maintain an internal database system to generate reports and produce accurate account information for patients and insurance companies.
- Install cable systems along with internet and VoIp phone services
- Install cable TV services, high speed Internet and VOIP services.
- Work with RDN, calling agents on updates, TLO and Accurint, court records calling maker.
- Skip tracing - locate debtors using various search methods such as Experian, IRB, MySpace, Facebook, etc.
- Install and set up FLIR, PTZ, and CCTV cameras.
- Perform outside plant structure cabling for LMR400, LMR240, CAT5, and CAT6 wiring.
- Extend cat5 wiring into premises.
- Assist in the fabrication and installation of HVAC systems.
- Inspect existing grounding or make new grind according to NEC.
- Confirm decedents information on client files by using Accurint and TLO.
- Perform change outs of old HVAC systems and replace with new.
- Run new Comcast drops and bring existing drops up to NEC code.
- Maintain batteries, rectifiers, generators and fuses of central office power plants
- Call dental insurance to request EOB by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Tracer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 39% of Tracers are proficient in Government Agencies, Customer Service, and Patient Accounts. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Customer-service skills, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Tracers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Government Agencies, 39%
Worked closely with individuals and government agencies to find heirs to estates.
- Customer Service, 20%
Reported shipment status daily to the Transportation Department & worked in conjunction with the carrier base to provide outstanding customer service.
- Patient Accounts, 18%
Set denials on patient accounts.
- Outbound Calls, 13%
Started out learning all the ways to trace people & make outbound calls to debtors.
- Research Studies, 10%
Inform the public of important research studies.
"government agencies," "customer service," and "patient accounts" are among the most common skills that tracers use at work. You can find even more tracer responsibilities below, including:
Color vision. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a tracer to have is color vision. Their role and responsibilities require that "telecom technicians work with color-coded wires, and they need to be able to tell them apart." Tracers often use color vision in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "skip tracer - collections/recoveries division perform internet research for various departments in the collections/recoveries division. "
Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling tracer duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "telecom technicians who work in customers’ homes and offices should be friendly and polite." According to a tracer resume, here's how tracers can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "handled emails, inbound and outbound calls from customers, freight forwarders, merchants, and overseas agents. "
Dexterity. tracers are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to tracer responsibilities, because "telecom technicians’ tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." A tracer resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "used hoists and cranes to lift work pieces to machine. "
Mechanical skills. tracer responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "telecom technicians must be familiar with the devices they install and repair, with their internal parts, and with the appropriate tools needed to use, install, or fix them." This resume example shows what tracers do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "installed warehouse conveyor and rack systems, related mechanical and electrical equipment, such as motor generator units. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another crucial skill for a tracer to carry out their responsibilities is "troubleshooting skills." A big part of what tracers relies on this skill, since "telecom technicians must be able to troubleshoot and devise solutions to problems that are not immediately apparent." How this skill relates to tracer duties can be seen in an example from a tracer resume snippet: "provision and troubleshooting that assure professional customer service. "
The three companies that hire the most tracers are:
- Healthcare Resolution Services6 tracers jobs
- University of Pennsylvania2 tracers jobs
- Chicago Public Schools2 tracers jobs
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Compare different tracers
Tracer vs. Installation and repair technician
An Installation and Repair Technician specializes in installing and repairing equipment and systems in establishments and homes. It is their responsibility to communicate and meet with clients to identify their needs, assess installation areas, implement tests, inspect damages or defects, troubleshoot problems, and perform corrective measures as needed. They may also recommend practices, provide instructions, maintain the cleanliness of work areas, and refer clients to other services should the case require. They must also keep records of transactions and maintain an active communication line with co-workers for an efficient workflow.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, tracer responsibilities require skills like "government agencies," "patient accounts," "outbound calls," and "research studies." Meanwhile a typical installation and repair technician has skills in areas such as "ladders," "test equipment," "crawl spaces," and "hand tools." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Installation and repair technicians tend to make the most money working in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $52,512. In contrast, tracers make the biggest average salary, $50,209, in the manufacturing industry.On average, installation and repair technicians reach lower levels of education than tracers. Installation and repair technicians are 9.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Tracer vs. Communications technician
A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real tracer resumes. While tracer responsibilities can utilize skills like "government agencies," "patient accounts," "outbound calls," and "research studies," communications technicians use skills like "rehabilitation," "hand tools," "fiber optic," and "patch panels."
Communications technicians may earn a higher salary than tracers, but communications technicians earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $51,581. On the other hand, tracers receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $50,209.communications technicians earn lower levels of education than tracers in general. They're 8.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tracer vs. Outside plant technician
Installation technicians are responsible for handling and installing all types of electronic systems and equipment. An installation technician should be well-knowledgeable about the equipment complexity to conduct troubleshooting for system malfunction or provide necessary instructions for the customers. In some cases, installation technicians are required to conduct regular checks and maintenance to ensure that the system functions properly, upgrading, or replacing equipment for improvement. Installation technicians usually handle customer queries for the system and are expected to resolve issues through remote work or area visit.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a tracer is likely to be skilled in "government agencies," "customer service," "patient accounts," and "outbound calls," while a typical outside plant technician is skilled in "ladders," "outside plant," "cdl," and "test equipment."
Outside plant technicians typically earn lower educational levels compared to tracers. Specifically, they're 9.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tracer vs. Installation technician
Types of tracer
Updated January 8, 2025
