Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers

(NOC 7442)

in All Trades and Transportation

Waterworks maintenance workers maintain and repair waterworks equipment and facilities. They work for 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 work for gas distribution companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 50. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat 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. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.

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

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Waterworks maintenance:

Check, clean and lubricate waterworks equipment like 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.
Complete 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

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

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 like 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

135

employed in 2016

85.2%

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

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

32.1%

Halifax

$32,371 median annual income

28.6%

Cape Breton

$34,407 median annual income

25.0%

North Shore

$34,865 median annual income

7.1%

Southern

N/A

7.1%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

20.0%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

20.0%

Utilities

20.0%

Public administration

16.0%

Health care and social assistance

8.0%

Educational services

What is the age of Employment?

35.0%

45-54

23.0%

35-44

19.0%

55-64

12.0%

15-24

12.0%

25-34

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

33.3%

College Diploma

$52,852 median annual income

29.6%

High school

$51,511 median annual income

18.5%

Trade Certification

N/A

14.8%

Less than high school

N/A

7.4%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income

22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income

18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income

2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations