7522- Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers

Canada NOC: 
7522
Job Title: 

Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers

Job Description: 

This unit group includes workers who operate vehicles and equipment to maintain streets, highways and sewer systems and operate trucks to collect garbage and recyclable materials. This group also includes workers who clear vegetation close to power lines, workers who inspect the condition of utility poles and workers who locate underground utility lines and pipes. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal public works departments, private contractors under contract with government public works departments and private companies involved in the collection of refuse and recyclable materials.

Main Duties: 

Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers perform some or all of the following duties:


Operate garbage trucks to remove garbage and other refuse and dump loads at designated sites
Operate street cleaning equipment such as street sweepers or other vehicles equipped with rotating brushes to remove sand, litter and trash
Operate snowploughs or trucks fitted with plough blades to remove snow from streets, highways, parking lots and similar areas
Operate sewer maintenance equipment such as rodders and sewer jet cleaners to maintain and repair sewer systems
Operate trucks equipped with road sanding and other similar apparatus
Operate chainsaws and other clearing equipment to fell trees and cut back vegetation close to power lines
Operate equipment and hand tools to inspect and test utility poles for decay and deterioration
Operate equipment and instruments to locate underground utility lines and pipes
Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisor.

Employment Requirements: 

Some secondary school may be required.
Experience as a public works labourer is usually required.
On-the-job training is provided.
A driver's licence appropriate to a specific type of equipment may be required.
Trade certification for utility arborists is available, but voluntary, in Ontario and British Columbia.

Additional Inormation: 

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Classified Elsewhere: 

Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (7521)
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers (8612)
Public works and maintenance labourers (7621)
Supervisors of public works maintenance equipment operators (in 7302 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews)
Transport truck drivers (7511)

Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
International Careers(ISCO): 
Source Of Info: 

National Occupation Classification, (2011)

Statistics Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,

February 2012,

Catalogue no. 12-583-X