74205

Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

Express Entry skill level: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 74 › 742 › 7420

Definition

Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers operate vehicles and equipment to maintain streets, highways and sewer systems and operate trucks to collect garbage and recyclable materials. This unit group also includes workers who clear vegetation close to power lines. They are employed by 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.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate garbage trucks to remove garbage and other refuse and dump loads at designated sites
Operate street cleaning equipment such as street sweepers or other vehicles equipped with rotating brushes to remove sand, litter and trash
Operate snowplows or trucks fitted with plow blades to remove snow from streets, highways, parking lots and similar areas
Operate sewer maintenance equipment such as rodders and sewer jet cleaners to maintain and repair sewer systems
Operate trucks equipped with apparatuses for spreading sand, salt or abrasives on roadways
Operate chainsaws and other clearing equipment to fell trees and cut back vegetation close to power lines
Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment and report any malfunctions to supervisor.

Example job titles

•garbage truck driver
•municipal maintenance equipment operator
•public works maintenance equipment operator
•salt truck operator
•sand spreader operator
•sewer-flushing truck operator - public works
•snow removal equipment operator - public works
•street flusher operator

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers are classified under code 74205. This occupation belongs to TEER Category 4. Individuals in this unit group operate municipal service trucks and equipment to maintain streets, highways, sewer systems, and other public facilities. Common job titles include snowplow operator, street sweeper operator, garbage truck driver, and sewer maintenance worker.

According to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) guidelines, typical duties for NOC 74205 involve operating specialized machines to clear snow, sweep streets, collect refuse, and clean municipal sewers. To qualify for these positions in Canada, candidates usually require a secondary school diploma and a valid commercial driver's license, often with specific endorsements such as Class 3 or air brakes, depending on the equipment. On-the-job training is typically provided by municipal employers.

Foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada under NOC 74205 may find pathways through various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or specific federal streams targeted at TEER 4 occupations. Candidates must verify specific provincial eligibility criteria, as requirements vary across jurisdictions. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.