74204

Utility maintenance workers

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

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

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 74 › 742 › 7420

Definition

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.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
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.

Example job titles

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

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 74204 covers Utility Maintenance Workers. These individuals are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing critical utility systems, including water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, gas distribution lines, and related infrastructure. They are primarily employed by municipal public works departments, utility utility companies, and private contractors. Key duties involve operating specialized maintenance equipment, locating underground utility lines, and repairing system components such as valves, pipes, and hydrants.

As a TEER 4 occupation, positions under NOC 74204 generally require secondary school completion along with on-the-job training. Some positions may require specific operator certifications or a valid commercial driver's license depending on the equipment used. For Canadian immigration, foreign nationals with experience in this code may qualify for permanent residency through specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), or other regional economic immigration streams tailored to intermediate-skilled workers.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for official guidance on your specific case.

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.