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Gas Utility Operator: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you interested in how energy is transported? Do you like connecting with the public? Are you physically active and good with mechanics? Then becoming a gas utility operator may be your pipeline to a career.
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Occupations in Alberta
Apprenticeship

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.

  • Avg. Salary $64,800.00
  • Avg. Wage $31.32
  • Minimum Education Designated Occupation
  • Outlook above avg
  • Employed < 1500
  • In Demand Medium
Also Known As

Natural Gas Utility Operator

NOC Codes

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: Gas Maintenance Workers (7442.2) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers (H532) 
  • 2011 NOC: Waterworks and gas maintenance workers (7442) 
  • 2016 NOC: Waterworks and gas maintenance workers (7442) 
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

50%
50%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
Starting $26.17
Overall $31.32
Top $34.76
  • Certification Provincially Regulated
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Gas Utility Operator is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Gas Maintenance Workers
METHODICAL

Interest in copying information to check and lubricate gas pipeline valves and to maintain work records

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to investigate reports of gas leaks to determine the exact location and extent of leaks

innovative

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

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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 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.

Learn More

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Gas utility systems include:

  • Gas transmission distribution systems under various levels of pressure
  • Gas mains and services
  • Pressure controllers and regulators
  • Gas meter and measuring

Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another but, in general, gas utility operators:

  • Interpret prints and specifications to determine the location, size and materials required to install gas mains
  • Install and maintain cathodic protection to prevent corrosion in steel and aluminum pipes
  • Locate underground gas systems and conduct routine surveys of gas mains and distribution lines to detect and locate escaping gas
  • Carry out routine gas system maintenance functions
  • Operate and maintain regulating, measuring and odourizing facilities
  • Provide information to the public and industry about underground gas distribution lines
  • Observe excavation work to ensure that underground gas facilities are protected
  • Investigate reports of gas leaks to determine the exact location and extent of leaks
  • Use equipment to expose gas lines and repair damaged pipes
  • Use laptop computers to keep records of work performed and the location and condition of pipelines
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Gas utility operators need:

  • Mechanical ability
  • Manual dexterity
  • Strength and stamina
  • The intellectual ability to succeed in the formal training
  • The ability to communicate with customers
  • The ability to get along with customers and fellow workers

They should enjoy being physically active and working with little direction or supervision.

Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Gas utility operator is a designated occupation in Alberta. This means that training and certification are not required but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for an Alberta Occupational 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 an Alberta Occupational 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 period of apprenticeship.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Designated Occupations

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for gas utility operators.

Working in Alberta

Gas utility operators with legislated certification in good standing elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.

Contact Details

Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on “Contact Us” on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).

Additional Information

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

Gas utility operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7442: Waterworks and Gas Maintenance Workers. In Alberta, 81% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
  • Location in Alberta
  • employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation

In Alberta, the 7442: Waterworks and gas maintenance workers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Experienced gas utility operators earn from $20 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates).

Waterworks and gas maintenance workers

Survey Methodology

Survey Analysis

Overall Wage Details
Average Wage
Average Salary
Hours Per Week
Overall Wage Details
Average Wage $31.32 / hr
Average Salary $64,800.00 / yr
Hours Per Week 39.8 hrs
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $44.00 $26.17 $22.89
Overall $22.50 $45.21 $31.32 $31.00
Top $22.50 $50.50 $34.76 $37.70

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Industry Information
Public Administration
Utilities
ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration $70,381
Utilities $69,963
ALL INDUSTRIES $64,800
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

50%
50%)

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

10%
10%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

3%
3%

Vacancy Rate

N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • Science
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Fabrication
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

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