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:
| Starting | $27.21 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $34.49 |
| Top | $40.01 |
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
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.
Gas utility systems include:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another but, in general, gas utility operators:
Gas utility operators work at physically demanding tasks both indoors and outdoors. Operators generally work a 40 hour work week but overtime may be required to deal with emergencies or to meet construction deadlines.
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.
Operators may be required to lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Gas utility operators need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy being physically active and working with little direction or supervision.
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 Qualification Certificate, applicants must have at least 5,100 hours and 36 months of "hands-on" work experience as a gas untility operator. Trainees who already have related training or work experience may qualify for credit or certification.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
This is a designated occupation. For full details, see the Gas Utility Operator certification profile.
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.
In Alberta, government-legislated certification is available for gas utility operators.
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.
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).
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. Certified Alberta gas utility operators who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
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 in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
The employment outlook for gas utility operators is expected to remain stable with most job openings occurring as a result of employee turnover. However, turnover rates within gas utility companies are relatively low.
Experienced gas utility operators earn from $20 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $38.48 | $27.21 | $29.00 |
| Overall | $20.25 | $42.58 | $34.49 | $34.50 |
| Top | $22.00 | $50.00 | $40.01 | $39.42 |
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* 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.
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.
| Public Administration | $72,224 |
|---|---|
| Utilities | $71,082 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $70,179 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 30, 2015. 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.