Public Works and Other Labourers

(NOC 7621, 7622)

in All Trades and Transportation

Public works labourers work to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads, and public areas. They are employed by public works departments in all levels of government or by private contractors under contract to governments. Railway and motor transport labourers perform a variety of tasks to assist track maintenance workers and railway yard workers, or motor transport operators. They are employed by railway transport companies and motor transport companies.

Job Outlook

Limited

Estimate Decline employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 20 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

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

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. However, jobseekers may face some competition for those positions. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. 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. Public Works and Other Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 49% of Public Works and Other Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $46,566. 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

$12.00

Minimum

$18.17

Median

$25.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$5,509

Minimum

$30,135

Median

$59,476

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

Public works labourers work to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads, and public areas. They are employed by public works departments in all levels of government or by private contractors under contract to governments.

Railway and motor transport labourers perform a variety of tasks to assist track maintenance workers and railway yard workers, or motor transport operators. They are employed by railway transport companies and motor transport companies.

Job duties

Public works and maintenance labourers perform 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.

Railway and motor transport labourers perform some or all of the following duties:

Transport tools and equipment on push or hand car and perform other duties to assist railway track maintenance workers to lay, maintain and repair railway tracks.
Cut vegetation growth from railway tracks using scythes and mowers.
Check freight cars for physical damage and cleanliness.
Assist truck and delivery drivers to load and unload vehicles.
Perform labouring duties in warehouses.

Sample job titles

delivery truck helper
garbage truck loader
mover helper
parking meter collector
public works labourer
railway labourer
road maintenance worker - public works
sanitation worker
sidewalk cleaner
truck driver helper

Skills

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

Job requirements

Some high school education is usually required.
On-the-job training is provided.

Other considerations

Most people in these jobs work full-time, but often for only part of the year.

Progression to supervisory positions such as equipment operator and railway yard workers is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

650

employed in 2016

87.4%

employed full-time

1.5%

self employed

10.4%

89.6%

45.6

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?

31.1%

Halifax

23.3%

Northern

22.3%

Cape Breton

13.5%

Annapolis Valley

9.3%

Southern

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

39.2%

Public Administration

33.1%

Management, Admin & Other Support

10.8%

Construction

5.4%

Utilities

3.8%

Transportation and Warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

23.5%

55-64

21.4%

45-54

20.1%

15-24

15.4%

35-44

12.0%

25-34

7.7%

65+

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

46.3%

High school

$12,972 median annual income

21.5%

Less than high school

$14,430 median annual income

21.5%

Trades certificate

$56,112 median annual income

8.5%

College certificate or diploma

N/A

2.3%

Bachelor's degree

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