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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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72420.00 – Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics

Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics install and maintain oil, coal and wood heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Furnace installer and repairer (except gas)
  • Heating service mechanic
  • Heating systems technician
  • Oil burner installer
  • Oil burner mechanic
  • Oil burner mechanic apprentice
  • Wood burner installer

Core competencies

  • Repairing and Preventative Maintenance to diagnose, disassemble and repair complex heating systems, while proactively conducting thorough inspections, replacing worn components and fine-tuning systems to prevent future breakdowns
  • Equipment and Tool Selection, and Setting Up to make sure the working environment is efficient and safe setting up the right equipment and specialized tools for the task such as pressure gauges, combustion analyzers, or flue gas testers
  • Colour Perception to assist in the inspection and maintenance of heating systems, particularly by evaluating the condition of the flames in oil and solid fuel burners, as a change in flame colour may indicate issues with combustion or the fuel mixture
  • Hearing Sensitivity to detect unusual sounds that might indicate issues with heating systems, such as rumbling, hissing or irregular noises
  • Attention to Detail to identify and address small issues before they become major problems, ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently
  • Knowledge in Mechanics and Machinery to understand common heating systems and simple mechanical components, focusing on routine maintenance and minor repairs

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Read and interpret drawings or specifications to determine work to be performed
  • Lay out oil burner heating system components and assemble components using hand and power tools
  • Install oil burner components such as thermostats, motors, piping and safety devices, and connect to fuel supply, ventilation and electrical system
  • Test installed unit and adjust controls for proper functioning
  • Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning oil burners, and their components and controls
  • Install, maintain and repair coal and wood heating systems
  • Perform scheduled maintenance service on oil and solid fuel heating systems.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Gas fitters (72302)
  • Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (72402)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

724 – Technical maintenance trades

Minor group

7242 – Small engine and equipment mechanics and related repairers (including electrical components)

Unit group

72420 – Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics

Occupational profile

72420.00 – Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.