Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers

(NOC 7442)

in All Trades and Transportation

Waterworks maintenance workers maintain and repair waterworks equipment and facilities. They are employed in water filtration and distribution plants and waste treatment plants. Gas maintenance workers check and perform routine maintenance and minor repairs to exterior and underground gas mains and distribution lines. They are employed by gas distribution companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate openings due to growth and retirements not available for this occupation.
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 3400 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

The median employment income for 30% of Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $53,471. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$35,012

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$20.35

Median

$34.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Waterworks maintenance workers perform some or all of the following duties:

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 perform some or all of the following duties:

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.

Sample job titles

distribution and maintenance worker - utilities
gas maintenance worker
maintenance utility worker
pipeline maintenance worker
utility plant maintenance worker
water system maintenance worker
waterworks maintenance worker

Skills

To work in this occupation, you should be in good physical condition and comfortable working outdoors. Basic mathematical skills are needed to make accurate measurements. You must be able to follow instructions and work well with others. The ability to read blueprints is also an asset.

Job requirements

Completion of high school may be required.
Several years of experience as a labourer in the same company may be required.
On-the-job training is provided.

Other considerations

Mobility between jobs in this group normally occurs within the same area of work, such as within wastewater treatment plants, within water filtration and distribution plants or within gas distribution plants. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

100

employed in 2016

81.5%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

11.1%

88.9%

45.7

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

88.8%

employed full-time

12.7%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

33.3%

Halifax

29.6%

Cape Breton

25.9%

Northern

7.4%

Southern

7.4%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

20.8%

Utilities

20.8%

Public Administration

16.7%

Health Care and Social Assistance

16.7%

Support for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction

8.3%

Accommodation and Food Services

What is the age of Employment?

37.5%

45-54

18.8%

25-34

18.8%

55-64

18.8%

35-44

12.5%

15-24

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

34.1%

45-54

33.0%

35-44

18.7%

55-64

13.2%

25-34

Top levels of education

29.6%

College certificate or diploma

$23,545 median annual income

25.9%

High school

$29,750 median annual income

18.5%

Trades certificate

$27,762 median annual income

14.8%

Less than high school

$20,739 median annual income

7.4%

Doctorate

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.4%

Trades certificate

$40,890 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$28,089 median annual income

22.6%

College certificate or diploma

$39,023 median annual income

18.2%

Less than high school

$25,753 median annual income

2.7%

Bachelor's degree

$36,972 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca