Public Works and Other Labourers
(NOC 7621, 7622)
in All Trades and TransportationPublic 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
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
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
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,509
Minimum$30,135
Median$59,476
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public Administration
Management, Admin & Other Support
Construction
Utilities
Transportation and Warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
15-24
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$12,972 median annual incomeLess than high school
$14,430 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$56,112 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.