Overview
Public works and maintenance labourers perform a variety of labouring activities to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and similar areas. They are employed by public works departments in all levels of government or by private contractors under contract to governments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds of municipality and other areas, working as member of crew
Sweep debris and remove snow from streets, sidewalks, building grounds and other areas, and load snow and debris into carts or trucks
Shovel cement and other materials into cement mixers, spread concrete and asphalt on road surfaces using shovels, rakes and hand tampers, and perform other activities to assist in maintenance and repair of roads
Spread sand or salt on sidewalks for snow and ice control
Dig ditches and trenches using shovels and other hand tools
Operate jackhammers and drills to break up pavement
Load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment
Collect money from coin boxes of parking meters along established route
Collect and load refuse on garbage trucks
Assist equipment operators to secure attachments to equipment or trucks
Assist in routine maintenance and repair of equipment
Assist skilled tradespersons such as carpenters, plumbers and mechanics
May operate mobile sidewalk-cleaning equipment.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$47,969
$62,672
$72,996
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
611expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Several weeks of on-the-job training are provided.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory positions or to public works maintenance equipment operator 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.