Public Works and Maintenance Labourers
(NOC 7621)
in All Trades and TransportationPublic works and maintenance labourers do a variety of labouring activities to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and similar areas. They work for public works departments in all levels of government or by private contractors under contract to governments.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect 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 Maintenance Labourers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 48% of Public Works and Maintenance Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $46,531. 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
$12.95
Minimum$19.00
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,016
Minimum$31,436
Median$58,797
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Public works and maintenance labourers do a variety of labouring activities to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and similar areas. They work for public works departments in all levels of government or by private contractors under contract to governments.
Job duties
Public works and maintenance labourers:
- Clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds of a city or town and other areas, working as member of crew.
- Sweep litter 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 complete other activities to help 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.
- Use 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 trash on garbage trucks.
- Help equipment operators to secure attachments to equipment or trucks.
- Help with regular equipment maintenance and repair.
- Help skilled tradespersons like carpenters, plumbers and mechanics.
- May use mobile sidewalk-cleaning equipment.
Sample job titles
- helper - garbage collection
- garbage truck loader
- municipal labourer
- parking meter collector
- public works labourer
- road maintenance worker
- sewer maintenance worker
- sidewalk cleaner
Skills
You need good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical ability would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and be able to follow instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be 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. Movement to supervisor positions or to public works maintenance equipment operator positions 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
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Construction
Utilities
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
15-24
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$28,933 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,218 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$44,091 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$40,132 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe 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
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.