Overview
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. 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.
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
Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisor.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$62,568
$79,253
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
233expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Some secondary school may be required.
Experience as a public works labourer is usually required.
On-the-job training is provided.
Additional information
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.