Overview
Utility maintenance workers locate, repair, install and perform maintenance work to various equipment and facilities, such as water filtration and distribution plants, waste water treatment plants and power plants. They may also work on exterior and underground gas mains and distribution lines. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal public works departments, private contractors under contract with government public works departments and gas distribution companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Waterworks maintenance workers
Check, clean and lubricate waterworks equipment, such as pumping equipment, chlorination equipment and compressors
Adjust and repair waterworks equipment under the direction of qualified tradesperson
Search and locate reported water leaks and repair water-mains, valves or outlets
Install water meters using hand and power tools.
Gas maintenance workers
Check and lubricate gas pipeline valves
Conduct routine survey of gas mains and distribution lines to detect and locate escaping gas using gas detecting devices
Investigate reports of gas leaks to determine the exact location and extent of leaks
Dig ground to expose gas lines and repair damaged pipes
Keep record of work performed and location and condition of pipelines
Provide information on underground gas distribution lines and observe excavation work to ensure that underground gas facilities are protected.
Other utility workers
Operate equipment and instruments to locate and mark underground utility lines and pipes
Provide information on underground utility lines
Operate equipment and hand tools to inspect and test utility poles for decay and deterioration.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$60,482
$75,520
$114,604
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
119expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school may be required.
Several years of experience as a labourer in the same company may be required.
On-the-job training is provided.
Additional information
Mobility between jobs in this unit group normally occurs within the same area of work, such as within waste water treatment plants, within water filtration and distribution plants or within gas distribution plants.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.