74204 – Utility maintenance workers
Lead statement
Waterworks maintenance workers locate, repair, install and perform maintenance on waterworks equipment and facilities.
Main duties
- Check, clean and lubricate waterworks equipment, such as 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.
- Check and lubricate gas pipeline valves
- Conduct 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.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Several years of experience as a labourer in the same company may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for waterworks maintenance workers.
Example job titles
hydrant and valve maintenance worker · water main maintenance worker · water main maintenance man/woman · waterworks maintenance worker · pipeline maintenance worker · waterworks repairman/woman · water system maintenance worker · water supply maintenance worker · waterworks utility servicer · water utilities plant maintenance man/woman · water meter installer · gas leak inspector · gas leak surveyor · gas maintenance worker · gas meter installer · gas regulator · gas main leak inspector · gas main leak locator · gas main leakage tester · gas main maintenance and repairman/woman · gas leak locator · gas utility operator
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $23.00 | $34.00 | $48.08 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $20.00 | $30.14 | $36.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 | $30.14 | $36.00 |
| New Brunswick | $17.00 | $30.00 | $30.20 |
| Quebec | $24.16 | $30.95 | $42.51 |
| Ontario | $25.00 | $36.06 | $43.00 |
| Manitoba | $22.00 | $27.00 | $40.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $19.04 | $26.68 | $36.82 |
| Alberta | $22.00 | $36.19 | $61.79 |
| British Columbia | $31.80 | $36.21 | $50.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.