Gas Utility Operator
Gas utility operators install and service gas utility pipeline systems that transport natural gas from its source to points of use such as building meter sets.
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Natural Gas Utility Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Gas utility systems include:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another but, in general, gas utility operators:
Gas utility operators’ work is physically demanding, both indoors and outdoors. Operators generally work a 40-hour work week but overtime may be required to deal with emergencies or meet construction deadlines. On some jobs, gas utility operators need to rotate on-call shifts.
Working with explosive gases and power tools can be dangerous. To avoid injury, gas utility operators must follow safety codes and regulations and, during emergency situations, follow the specified procedures.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to check and lubricate gas pipeline valves and to maintain work records
Interest in precision working to investigate reports of gas leaks to determine the exact location and extent of leaks
Interest in speaking with supervisor to provide information on underground gas distribution lines; and in observing excavation work to ensure that underground gas facilities are protected
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Gas utility operators need:
They should enjoy being physically active and working with little direction or supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 22 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 22, 2022 and Oct 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Keep record of work performed and location and condition of equipment | 20 |
---|---|
Attention to detail | 18 |
Hand-eye co-ordination | 17 |
Construction Specialization: Reliability | 16 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 15 |
Work Setting: Various locations | 14 |
Tasks: Adjust and repair waterworks equipment under the direction of qualified tradesperson | 13 |
Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 13 |
Construction Specialization: Accurate | 13 |
Own Tools/Equipment: Hard hat | 13 |
Gas utility operator is a designated trade in Alberta. Training and certification are not required, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a Journeyperson Certificate. It is recommended that applicants have English Language Arts 10-1, Pure Math 10 and Science 10, or equivalents.
To register, trainees must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire a trainee. Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or related training or experience (in gasfitting for example). Prospective gas utility operators may be hired first as labourers and, if their work is satisfactory, offered trainee positions when they become available.
To qualify for a journeyperson certificate for gas utility operator based on training requires a minimum of 24 months training that includes at least 3,400 hours work experience.
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the hours required.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Gas utility operators install and service gas utility pipeline systems that transport natural gas from its source to points of use such as building meter sets. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for gas utility operators.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Gas Utility Operator.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Gas utility operators are employed by gas utility and distribution companies and firms that contract services to those companies.
Experienced operators may advance to supervisory positions but further advancement opportunities are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Waterworks and gas maintenance workers
2016 NOC: 7442
81.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Experienced gas utility operators earn from $20 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $18.00 | $38.00 | $27.24 | $27.00 |
Overall | $21.00 | $40.94 | $32.91 | $35.00 |
Top | $26.00 | $53.85 | $38.80 | $36.04 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $70,373 |
---|---|
Utilities | $75,664 |
Construction | $79,079 |
Public Administration | $70,384 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.