National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

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7522 - Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers

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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • garbage truck driver
    • municipal maintenance equipment operator
    • power pole inspector
    • public works maintenance equipment operator
    • salt truck operator
    • sand spreader operator
    • sewer-flushing truck operator - public works
    • snow removal equipment operator - public works
    • street flusher operator
    • street sweeper operator
    • utility arborist
    • utility locator

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • 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 (See 7302 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews)
    • Transport truck drivers (7511)
  • 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 information

    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
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