Snow-clearing worker

Snow-clearing workers operate trucks and plows to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks, streets and other locations. They also dump salt and sand on the ground to de-ice the concerning locations.

The following job titles also refer to snow-clearing worker:

snow removal worker
snow plougher
snow remover

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a snow-clearing worker.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Snow-clearing worker is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to snow-clearing worker.

V-belt finisher
pesticides sprayer
belt builder
septic tank servicer
dry house attendant

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of snow-clearing worker. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of snow-clearing worker with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

road maintenance technician
automated assembly line operator
desalination technician
steam turbine operator
gas processing plant control room operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of snow-clearing worker.

• Snow removal safety hazards: Range of dangerous situations faced when conducting snow-removing activities such as falling from heights and roofs, frostbite, eye injuries, and other injuries associated with the use of snowblowers and other mechanical equipment.

These skills are necessary for the role of snow-clearing worker.

• Use snow-removal equipment: Use equipment such as shovels, snow rakes, snow blowers, ladders or aerial lifts to remove snow from various structures such as rooftops and other building structures and public spaces.
• Carry out de-icing activities: Spread salt or other chemical products on the ice-covered surface in public spaces to ensure de-icing and safe usage of such spaces.
• Adapt to different weather conditions: Cope with regular exposure to extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Remove snow: Perform snow ploughing and snow removal from roads, driveways, and sidewalks.
• Drive heavy duty trucks for snow removal: Drive specialised trucks required to remove snow from various building structures and other public spaces. Follow appropriate traffic regulations in such circumstances.
• Complete report sheets of activity: Keep written records of the service provided on a regular or punctual basis, with explicit hours of work performed and signature.
• Follow organisational guidelines in the cleaning industry: Apply and follow all protocols or guidelines described by the company within your specific cleaning area. It can also involve wearing the foreseen uniform or piece of clothing at all times or using specific equipment or materials.
• Apply measures to prevent snow removal safety hazards: Use snow removal practices and methods that prevent major hazards such as not working on roofs when possible, assessing the weight of the equipment on a given icy structure, wearing protection equipment and ladders in a safe manner, protect the surrounding areas and people and avoid electrical wirings.
• Perform cleaning activities in an outdoor environment: Adapt the cleaning working methods and procedures to the environmental conditions and adapt to weather conditions such as rain, strong wind or snow, when this affects the performance of the equipment or machinery that is being used.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of snow-clearing worker. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Road traffic laws: Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of snow-clearing worker. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Select hazard control: Perform appropriate selection of hazard control measures and risk management
• Liaise with local authorities: Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.
• Perform emergency street clean ups: Respond appropriately to emergency cases for cleaning streets after accidents, manifestations or heavy snow fall.
• Perform cleaning activities in an environmentally friendly way: Undertake all cleaning duties in a manner which minimises environmental damage, follow methods that lessen pollution and wastage of resources.
• Operate aerial work platforms: Tend mechanical devices that allow momentary access to high, usually inaccessible areas. Ensure your own safety and the safety of surrounding people.
• Regulate traffic: Regulate the flow of traffic by using assigned hand signals, assisting travellers on the road, and aiding people to cross the street.
• Maintain snow removal equipment: Perform maintenance of snow and ice removal devices and de-icing equipment to ensure they are ready for use at any time.

8342 – Earthmoving and related plant operators

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References

1. Snow-clearing worker – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Snow-clearing on the A91 by William Starkey, CC BY-SA 2.0