7522 – Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers operate vehicles and equipment to maintain streets, highways and sewer systems and operate trucks to collect garbage and recyclable materials. This unit 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.
Profile
Index of titles
Example titles
Collection truck driver – public works
Drain roto servicer – public works
Electrical forester
Equipment operator – municipal public work
Garbage collector – driver
Garbage truck driver
Garbage truck driver – public works
Highway snow removal equipment operator
Highway snowplow operator
Maintenance equipment operator – public works
Mechanical sweeper operator – public works
Municipal maintenance equipment operator
Municipal servicer drain roto
Power pole inspector
Power sweeper operator – public works
Public works maintenance equipment operator
Recycling truck driver
Recycling truck driver – public works
Refuse truck driver – public works
Road snowplow operator – public works
Salt truck operator
Salt truck operator – public works
Sand spreader operator
Sand spreader operator – public works
Sanding truck operator – public works
Sanitation truck driver
Sewer flusher operator-driver – public works
Sewer jet cleaner operator – public works
Sewer jet machine operator – public works
Sewer-flushing truck operator
Sewer-flushing truck operator – public works
Sewer-pipe-cleaning machine operator – public works
Snow removal equipment operator – public works
Sprinkling truck driver – public works
Street flusher operator
Street flusher operator – public works
Street sprinkler operator – public works
Street sweeper operator
Street sweeper operator – public works
Urban snow removal equipment operator – public works
Utility arborist
Utility forester
Utility locator
Utility pole inspector
Utility pole tester
Utility tree trimmer
Utility tree worker
Main duties
This group performs 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 snowplows or trucks fitted with plow 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 apparatuses for spreading sand, salt or abrasives on roadways
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.
Exclusions
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)