View subgroup

Search

Search by job title
Search by CH code

7621.0 – Public works and maintenance labourers

Public works and maintenance labourers perform a variety of labouring activities to maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and similar areas.

Profile

Example titles Help

  • Helper - garbage collection
  • Municipal labourer
  • Parking meter collector
  • Public works labourer
  • Road maintenance worker
  • Sewer maintenance worker
  • Sidewalk cleaner

Main characteristics Help

  • General learning ability to clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds of municipalities and other areas as members of crews
  • Form perception to load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment and to collect and load refuse on garbage trucks
  • Motor co-ordination to shovel cement and other materials into cement mixers, to spread concrete and asphalt on road surfaces using shovels, rakes and hand tampers, and to perform other activities to assist in the maintenance and repair of roads
  • Finger dexterity to collect money from coin boxes of parking meters along established routes
  • Manual dexterity to spread sand and salt on sidewalks for snow and ice control; to dig ditches and trenches using shovels and other hand tools; to cut trees, trim branches, rake leaves, apply fertilizers and insecticides by hand; and to water public lawns, trees and shrubs
  • Methodical interest in comparing to sweep debris and shovel snow from streets, building grounds and other areas; and in loading snow and debris into carts or trucks
  • Objective interest in operating jackhammers and drills to break up pavement and power mowers and cutters to cut lawns and grass along roadsides; may operate mobile sidewalk-cleaning equipment
  • Innovative interest in assisting with routine maintenance and repair of equipment; in assisting equipment operators to secure attachments to equipment and trucks, and in assisting skilled tradespersons such as carpenters, plumbers and mechanics

Aptitudes Help

One of five levels assigned for each factor, with levels representing normal curve distribution of the labour force:

G
General learning ability
V
Verbal ability
N
Numerical ability
S
Spatial perception
P
Form perception
Q
Clerical perception
K
Motor co-ordination
F
Finger dexterity
M
Manual dexterity
Levels legend, text description directly below.
  1. The highest 10% of the working population
  2. Upper third, exclusive of the highest 10%
  3. Middle third of the working population
  4. Lowest third, exclusive of the lowest 10%
  5. Lowest 10% of the working population

An individual's overall capacity to learn the skills needed to perform job duties is based on his or her specific aptitudes for acquiring information and transforming it into action.

General learning ability G-4

Ability to 'catch on' or understand instructions and underlying principles; to reason and make judgments.

Verbal ability V-4

Ability to understand the meaning of words and the ideas associated with them, and to use them effectively; to comprehend language, to understand relationships between words and to understand the meaning of whole sentences and paragraphs; to present information or ideas clearly.

Numerical ability N-5

Ability to carry out arithmetical processes quickly and accurately.

Spatial perception S-4

Ability to think visually about geometric forms and comprehend the two dimensional representation of three dimensional objects; to recognize the relationships resulting from the movement of objects in space. May be used in such tasks as blueprint reading and in solving geometry problems. Frequently described as the ability to 'visualize' objects of two or three dimensions.

Form perception P-4

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects and in pictorial and graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discriminations and to see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines.

Clerical perception Q-5

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material; to observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetical computation.

Motor co-ordination K-4

Ability to co-ordinate eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately when required to respond with precise movements.

Finger dexterity F-4

Ability to move the fingers and manipulate small objects with the fingers rapidly and/or accurately.

Manual dexterity M-4

Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully; to work with the hands in placing and turning motions.

Interests Help

Three of five descriptive factors, assigned in order of predominance and lower case rating indicating weaker representation:

D
Directive
I
Innovative
M
Methodical
O
Objective
S
Social
Methodical M

Methodical persons like to have clear rules and organized methods to guide their activities. They prefer working under the direction or supervision of others according to given instructions, or to be guided by established policies and procedures. Methodical persons like to work on one thing until it is completed. They enjoy following a set routine and prefer work that is free from the unexpected.

Objective o

Objective persons enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery. They like to repair and/or fabricate things from various materials according to specifications and using established techniques. Objective persons are interested in finding out how things operate and how they are built.

Innovative i

Innovative persons like to explore things in depth and arrive at solutions to problems by experimenting. They are interested in initiating and creating different ways to solve questions and present information. They enjoy scientific subjects. Innovative persons prefer to be challenged with new and unexpected experiences. They adjust to change easily.

Data, people, and things Help

Data

0
Synthesizing
1
Co-ordinating
2
Analyzing
3
Compiling
4
Computing
5
Copying
6
Comparing
7
N/A
8
Not Significant

People

0
Mentoring
1
Negotiating
2
Instructing - Consulting
3
Supervising
4
Diverting
5
Persuading
6
Speaking - Signaling
7
Serving - Assisting
8
Not significant

Things

0
Setting up
1
Precision working
2
Controlling
3
Driving - Operating
4
Operating - Manipulating
5
Tending
6
Feeding - Offbearing
7
Handling
8
Not significant
Data Comparing 6

Identifying the obvious functional, structural or compositional characteristics (in terms of similarity with, or difference from, established standards) of data, people and things.*

People Assisting 7

Attending to the needs and requests of people or animals or the expressed and implicit wishes of people; helping and supporting other workers in the performance of tasks.

Things Operating 4

Using the body, tools or special devices to operate equipment or move, guide, install and place objects or materials. Requires a significant combination of motor co ordination and manual and finger dexterity. Involves some latitude for judgment with regard to precision and selection of appropriate tool, object or material.

Physical activities Help

V - Vision

1
Close visual acuity
2
Near vision
3
Near and far vision
4
Total visual field

H - Hearing

1
Limited
2
Verbal interaction
3
Other sound discrimination

L - Limb co-ordination

0
Not relevant
1
Upper limb co-ordination
2
Multiple limb co-ordination

C - Colour discrimination

0
Not relevant
1
Relevant

B - Body position

1
Sitting
2
Standing and/or walking
3
Sitting, standing, walking
4
Other body positions

S - Strength

1
Limited
2
Light
3
Medium
4
Heavy
Vision Vision V-3

The use of sight in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the visual field involved in the performance of the work.

3 - Near and far vision

Some work activities involve the monitoring of processes, objects or situations in the work environment that are far from the worker. Other work activities involve Near vision (2).

Examples:

  • installing shingles/tiles on roofs
  • conducting surveys to establish legal property boundaries
  • developing trading strategies by monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor
Colour discrimination Colour discrimination C-0

The use of colour descrimination to identify, distinguish and match colours and different shades of the same colours.

0 - Not relevant

Colour discrimination is not relevant in the performance of the work.

Examples:

  • cleaning windows
  • providing information over the telephone
  • interviewing, hiring and overseeing staff training
  • translating documents
Hearing Hearing H-1

The use of hearing in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the type of auditory discrimination involved in the performance of the work.

1 - Limited

Hearing is limited to short and/or infrequent verbal interactions in order to perform the work.

Examples:

  • typing and proofreading correspondence
  • cutting and trimming meat, poultry and fish according to customers' orders
  • carrying linen to and from laundry areas and running errands
  • assisting mine workers in constructing underground installations
Body position Body position B-4

Primary type of posture or body movement involved in performing the work. These postures or body movements range from simple to complex and from sedentary to mobile.

4 - Other body positions

Work activities involve body postures other than, or in addition to, Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2) such as bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching

Examples:

  • performing labouring duties in warehouses
  • measuring, cutting and installing carpeting
  • adjusting, repairing or replacing parts and components of automotive systems
  • treating patients' disorders of the spine and body through corrective manipulation
Limb co-ordination Limb co-ordination L-2

The use of limbs in performing work.

2 - Multiple limb co-ordination

Work activities are carried out by co-ordinating the movements of upper limb(s) simultaneously with lower limb(s).

Examples:

  • digging ditches using shovels
  • operating and driving automobiles, vans and trucks
  • climbing and working aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures
  • performing in figure skating competitions
Strength Strength S-4

The use of strength in the handling of loads such as pulling, pushing, lifting and/or moving objects during the work performed.

4 - Heavy

Work activities involve handling loads more than 20 kg.

Examples:

  • operating and maintaining deck equipment and performing other deck duties aboard ships
  • shovelling cement into cement mixers and assisting in the maintenance and repair of roads
  • measuring, cutting and fitting drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
  • operating power saws to thin and space trees in reforestation areas

Environmental conditions Help

Location

L1
Regulated inside climate
L2
Unregulated inside climate
L3
Outside
L4
In a vehicle or cab

Hazards

H1
Dangerous chemical substances
H2
Biological agents
H3
Equipment, machinery, tools
H4
Electricity
H5
Radiation
H6
Flying particles, falling objects
H7
Fire, steam, hot surfaces
H8
Dangerous locations

Discomforts

D1
Noise
D2
Vibration
D3
Odours
D4
Non-toxic dusts
D5
Wetness
Discomforts Noise D1

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D1 - Noise

Work that produces sufficient noise – constant or intermittent – to cause marked distraction or possible loss of hearing.

Examples:

  • operating drilling equipment in underground mines
  • using power saws in logging operations
  • blasting rock surface in mining
  • operating heavy equipment for construction jobs
  • using firearms
Discomforts Vibration D2

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D2 - Vibration

Work that produces an oscillating or quivering motion of the body.

Examples:

  • operating jackhammers to break up pavement
  • driving tractors
  • operating drills to produce blasting holes in mines
  • shaping metal using power-forging machinery
Discomforts Odours D3

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D3 - Odours

The presence of noxious, intense or prolonged odours in the work environment.

Examples:

  • cooking meals
  • colouring, waving and styling hair
  • preserving and sanitizing human remains
  • using industrial cleaning solutions
  • preparing standard cuts of meat, poultry and fish products for sale
Discomforts Non-toxic dusts D4

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D4 - Non-toxic dusts

The presence of non-poisonous airborne particles such as textile dust, flour, sand, sawdust and feathers in the work environment.

Examples:

  • preparing dough or batter
  • cutting fur pelts or fabric for garments
  • operating woodworking machines
  • cleaning chimneys
  • removing poultry feathers
Hazards Dangerous chemical substances H1

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H1 - Dangerous chemical substances

Exposure to any chemical that may endanger health through inhalation, absorption or ingestion, contact with skin or eyes, or any chemical with the potential for fire or explosion. Substances may be in forms such as solids, liquids, gases, aerosols or particles.

Examples:

  • extracting coal (involves exposure to silica particles)
  • removing asbestos insulation from buildings
  • joining bricks with mortar (contains lime)
  • mixing pesticides to spray crops
  • painting building interiors
Hazards Equipment, machinery, tools H3

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H3 - Equipment, machinery, tools

Working near or with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury.

Examples:

  • operating metal machining tools to shape metal
  • using hand tools to fabricate wood products
  • operating power saws to thin trees
  • performing surgical procedures
Location Outside L3

The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:

  • firefighting and fire prevention duties
  • maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
  • managing operations and paperwork of farms

L3 - Outside

An outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to variations in weather conditions and seasonal weather patterns.

Examples:

  • maintaining lawns
  • repairing buildings, roads, bridges and dams
  • operating power saws to thin and space trees
  • delivering mail

Employment requirements Help

Education/training Help

1
No formal education or training requirements
2
Some high school education and/or on the job training or experience
3
High school
4
Course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation
5
Apprenticeship, specialized training, vocational school training
6
College, technical school (certificate, diploma)
7
Undergraduate degree
8
Post-graduate or professional degree
+
Additional requirement beyond education and training
R
Regulated requirement(s)
1, 2
  • Several weeks of on-the-job training are provided.

Workplaces/employers Help

  • Private contractors under contract to governments
  • Public works departments in all levels of government

Occupational options Help

  • Progression to supervisory positions or to public works maintenance equipment operator positions is possible with experience.

Exclusions Help

Remarks Help

  • For some occupations in this group, Discomforts D1 and D2 and D3 and D4(Noise and Vibration and Odours and Non-toxic dusts), Hazards H1(Dangerous chemical substances) may also apply.

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Skill level
D – On-the-job training is usually provided for occupations
Minor group
76 – Trades helpers, construction labourers and related occupations
Minor group
762 – Public works and other labourers, n.e.c.
Unit group
7621 – Public works and maintenance labourers
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Report a problem on this page
Date modified: