Job description Utility Locator in Canada

Find out what work is like for an utility locator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers (NOC 74204).

Utility maintenance workers

Description

Utility maintenance workers locate, repair, install and perform maintenance work to various equipment and facilities, such as water filtration and distribution plants, waste water treatment plants and power plants. They may also work on exterior and underground gas mains and distribution lines. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal public works departments, private contractors under contract with government public works departments and gas distribution companies.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Utility maintenance workers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Waterworks maintenance workers
  • 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.
  • Gas maintenance workers
  • 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.
  • Other utility workers
  • Operate equipment and instruments to locate and mark underground utility lines and pipes
  • Provide information on underground utility lines
  • Operate equipment and hand tools to inspect and test utility poles for decay and deterioration.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 74204), and a list of similar occupations:

  • gas leak locator
  • gas maintenance worker
  • gas utility operator
  • pipeline maintenance worker
  • pipeline patrolman/woman
  • power pole inspector
  • utility locator
  • utility plant maintenance worker
  • waterworks maintenance worker

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Utility maintenance workers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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