Street cleaner jobs in Canada may not be the first option many foreign workers consider, but they represent a stable and accessible entry point into the Canadian workforce. These jobs offer a variety of benefits, including competitive pay, visa sponsorship opportunities, and a pathway to permanent residency. This guide provides everything you need to know about street cleaner positions in Canada—whether you’re looking to start a career or transition into the Canadian job market.
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Key Job Details:
Job Overview:
Street cleaners are essential workers who help maintain cleanliness and safety in public spaces. Municipal governments, private companies, and sometimes environmental services employ them. These positions are ideal for foreign workers seeking a stable job with excellent benefits and opportunities for career growth.
| Job Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Street Cleaner |
| Type of Employment | Full-time Permanent |
| Salary | $19–$25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $36,319 to $46,800 |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes, certain employers provide visa sponsorship for foreign workers |
| Education | High school diploma (some positions may require additional certifications) |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar role (preferred but not mandatory) |
| Accommodation | Often provided by the employer (especially in remote areas) |
| Age Limit | Must be at least 20 years old |
| Language Requirements | Basic proficiency in English or French (depending on the location) |
Typical Work Responsibilities:
- Street and Sidewalk Cleaning: Sweeping and clearing public spaces of debris, dirt, and litter using manual or motorized equipment.
- Trash Collection: Emptying public trash bins and collecting loose debris from streets and sidewalks.
- Operating Equipment: Using street sweepers, pressure washers, leaf blowers, and other heavy equipment for larger cleanup tasks.
- Snow and Ice Removal: During winter, street cleaners are responsible for removing snow and ice from streets and public walkways, often by spreading salt or sand.
- Waste Disposal: Transporting trash and waste to designated dumpsters or recycling facilities.
- Public Safety and Hazard Reporting: Identifying safety hazards such as broken glass or damaged sidewalks and reporting them to supervisors.
- General Maintenance: Keeping public areas, such as bus stops and parks, free of debris and ensuring they remain functional for the public.
Visa and Work Permits for Foreign Workers:
Types of Work Permits:
Foreign workers who want to work as street cleaners in Canada typically need to apply for a Temporary Work Permit. Depending on the job duration, some workers may also apply for a Seasonal Worker Permit (for positions that are only required during certain seasons, such as winter for snow clearing).
Here are the key steps and visa options:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
The TFWP allows foreign workers to come to Canada for temporary employment in specific roles. Street cleaner positions generally fall under this program if they are full-time, permanent, or seasonal.
- How to Apply: Employers need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.
- Work Permit Application: Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for a work permit. You may also be eligible for open work permits if your job is associated with specific categories like international student graduates or spouses of skilled workers.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
For foreign workers who want to stay longer or move toward permanent residency, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be an option. Some provinces have specific pathways that allow workers in certain industries, including street cleaning, to qualify for a nomination for permanent residency.
3. International Mobility Program (IMP):
If your employer is a part of the International Mobility Program, they may be able to hire foreign workers without needing an LMIA. This could be relevant for certain types of government-funded positions.
Visa Sponsorship:
Visa sponsorship is a significant benefit for foreign workers in Canada. Some street cleaner employers offer visa sponsorship as part of their hiring process, which means they assist with the application process and cover costs associated with obtaining a work permit or visa.
Key Documents Required for Visa Applications:
- Valid passport
- Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters or employment history)
- Proof of educational qualifications (high school diploma)
- Language proficiency proof (English or French)
- Medical exam (depending on the job and country of origin)
Skills and Experience Required:
Education:
A high school diploma is typically required for street cleaning jobs in Canada. While additional certifications are not mandatory, having some knowledge of machinery operation (e.g., street sweepers or snow plows) can be an advantage.
Experience:
Employers are willing to train the right candidates, but they prefer previous experience in a similar job. On-the-job training may include how to operate cleaning equipment safely, basic maintenance techniques, and adhering to local safety protocols.
Language Skills:
Basic proficiency in either English or French is typically required. This is important for communication with colleagues, supervisors, and the public. Workers should be able to understand safety instructions, follow directions, and report issues clearly.
- English or French proficiency: Depending on the area, you may need to understand one or both languages. In Quebec, French is more commonly used in workplaces.
Driving License:
In some cases, a valid driver’s license is required to operate cleaning vehicles like street sweepers or snow removal trucks. For certain roles, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may be required.
How to Apply for Street Cleaner Jobs in Canada?
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Search for Job Openings: Use websites
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant experience, even if it is in another sector (e.g., cleaning, landscaping, etc.).
- Cover Letter: Write a concise cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the role and your ability to meet the job requirements.
- Apply for a Work Permit: If your employer is willing to sponsor your visa, they will assist you in applying for a work permit. If not, you will need to apply independently through the TFWP or other immigration programs.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with cleaning, teamwork, and safety protocols. Employers may also ask about your ability to work in different weather conditions and handle heavy equipment.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the employer’s instructions carefully when submitting your application. Make sure all required documents are included.
Benefits of Working as a Street Cleaner in Canada:
- Competitive Wages: Street cleaners often earn more than the minimum wage, with opportunities for overtime and weekend shifts.
- Visa Sponsorship: Many employers in Canada offer visa sponsorship, which can help you secure the right to work legally there.
- Health and Safety: Canada has strict health and safety regulations that ensure a safe work environment for all workers. Workers are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Street cleaner jobs may help foreign workers qualify for Canadian permanent residency, particularly through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Job Security: Public service jobs, including street cleaning, tend to have higher job security and long-term contracts.
- Training and Skill Development: On-the-job training and skill development programs can lead to career growth opportunities in municipal services or equipment operation.
- Paid Leave and Benefits: The employment contract entitles street cleaners to paid holidays, medical leave, and health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the salary for street cleaners in Canada?
The average salary for street cleaners in Canada is $19–$25 per hour, with annual wages ranging from $36,319 for entry-level positions to $46,800 for experienced workers.
Do street cleaner jobs in Canada offer visa sponsorship?
Yes, street cleaner jobs in Canada often come with visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers.
What are the duties of a street cleaner?
Transports trash to the transfer station, clears debris from right-of-ways, cleans storm drains and inlets, identifies and reports hazardous conditions, and operates street sweepers and other associated heavy equipment and tools to sweep streets, gutters, mediums, parking lots, courtyards, and public works yard.
