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Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators
What they do?
Public works maintenance equipment operators perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Operate garbage trucks to remove garbage and other refuse and dump loads at designated sites
B. Operate street cleaning equipment such as street sweepers or other vehicles equipped with rotating brushes to remove sand, litter and trash
C. Operate snowploughs or trucks fitted with plough blades to remove snow from streets, highways, parking lots and similar areas
D. Operate sewer maintenance equipment such as rodders and sewer jet cleaners to maintain and repair sewer systems
E. Operate trucks equipped with road sanding and other similar apparatus
F. Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisor.
Where they find work?
1. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 30.0%
2. Transportation and warehousing - 25.0%
3. Public administration - 22.0%
4. Construction - 12.0%
5. Utilities - 6.0%
What education do I need?
1. Some secondary school may be required.
2. Experience as a public works labourer is usually required.
3. On-the-job training is provided.
4. A driver's licence appropriate to a specific type of equipment may be required.
High School Subject that will help:
1. English
2. Physics
3. Mechanics
4. Machine Shop
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators is $17.24/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
8% of Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($17.24) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below the average.
3. The unemployment rate (8%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
2. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (58%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Machinery
2. Working outdoors
3. Estimating
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
6% of Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 18,200 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 77% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be below average because of a tendency to retire at an older-than-average age (65).
