Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators and Related Workers

Nature of work

Public works maintenance equipment operators use vehicles and equipment to maintain streets, highways and sewer systems and use trucks to collect garbage and recyclable materials. This group also includes workers who clear vegetation close to power lines, workers who inspect the condition of utility poles and workers who locate underground utility lines and pipes. They work for 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.

Job duties

Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers:

• Run garbage trucks to remove garbage and other refuse and dump loads at designated sites.
• Use street cleaning equipment like street sweepers or other vehicles with rotating brushes to remove sand, litter, and trash.
• Use snowplows or trucks fitted with plough blades to remove snow from streets, highways, parking lots and similar areas.
• Use sewer maintenance equipment like sewer jet cleaners to maintain and repair sewer systems.
• Use trucks equipped with road sanding and other similar gear.
• Use chainsaws and other clearing equipment to cut down trees and cut back vegetation close to power lines.
• Use equipment and hand tools to inspect and test utility poles for decay and deterioration.
• Use equipment and instruments to locate underground utility lines and pipes.
• Check, lubricate, refuel, and clean equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisor.

Sample job titles

• garbage truck driver - public works
• public works maintenance equipment operator
• recycling truck driver - public works
• salt truck operator - public works
• sanitation truck driver
• snowplough operator
• utility arborist
• utility pole inspector
• utility tree trimmer

Skills

You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by supervisors.

Job requirements

• Some high school may be required.
• Experience as a public works labourer is usually required.
• On-the-job training is provided.
• A driver's licence appropriate to a specific type of equipment may be required.

Other considerations

Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

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