Ontario's
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Water and wastewater professionals make life possible for millions. We’re the builders. The men and women supplying clean water to homes, schools, hospitals, and more.

This industry is more than drinking water and sanitation. We divert floods and create critical infrastructure. We’re the people powering Canadian communities.

57K
Kilometers of pipes in Ontario’s water infrastructure
$16.4B
in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure backlog
245K
jobs in this industry will need to be filled by 2032
blue water drop

Get The Facts


Beyond the assumptions and misplaced associations, you’ll find a growing field populated by the next generation of skilled labourers, engineers, and other experts.

A Single Drop sets the record straight, giving you the real story about what it’s like to be a part of our industry.


01
If I take a job as a labourer, I’ll be working in a live sewer.
Members of this industry can move into many different, high-paying careers.
02
People like me don’t work in water and wastewater.
Our industry offers career paths for people of all ages and experience levels.
03
Entry-level jobs always pay poorly.
If you work in water and wastewater, you’ll earn $100,000+ within the first two years. Really.
04
I’ll be stuck working as a labourer forever.
You can start in the field and move into the office over time. All you need is the desire to learn.
05
Going into construction is the easy option or a fallback career.
Careers in construction are rewarding — they’re the first choice for many of us.
06
If I work in wastewater, I’ll be doing repetitive, unnecessary manual labour.
Wastewater jobs are technical, rewarding, and vital for life as we know it.
07
I’ll be stressed out at every job I have.
You can work with a team, enjoy mentorship, and learn to make quick decisions.
08
Ontario’s clean water just happens.
Getting potable water takes a lot of work from real people — 35,000 of them, to be precise.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is it hard to get a job building infrastructure?

    No! Ontario’s municipal infrastructure construction sector is rapidly expanding and in need of new people to help address  growing demands. We’re seeing new openings in everything from entry-level positions to leadership roles, and all positions offer opportunity for professional growth.

    Explore job opportunities on our job board and see where a career in infrastructure can take you.

  • What is a voluntary trade?

    While compulsory trades (e.g. electricians, plumbers, etc.) require a Certificate of Qualification or apprenticeship registration in order to work, voluntary trade workers have more freedom. You can ‘earn while you learn’ on the jobsite, and don’t have to register as an apprentice or become a certified journeyperson. Examples of voluntary (or non-compulsory) trade roles include the majority of trades used to build municipal infrastructure, such as: laborers, pipe-layers, topman, and heavy equipment operators.

  • What jobs are available in the infrastructure construction trades?

    It takes a village to build water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. There are dozens of roles in the industry. Check out our Career Paths pages to learn about roles in engineering, excavation, equipment operation, and more.

  • How much do jobs in infrastructure pay?

    Building Ontario’s infrastructure pays well! Compensation ranges from $50,000 to $250,000. Remember, your pay depends on your experience, responsibilities, and location, as well as your interest in learning.

    Explore the career paths and with salary ranges on our careers page.

  • What education do you need to work in infrastructure construction?

    Some entry-level positions require nothing more than a desire to learn on the job. Others may require some college or university education. Check out each role’s requirements.

  • How can I apply if I don’t have a professional resume?

    No professional resume? No problem. We recognize that not everyone has a professional resume, so we have created a form for each application where you can fill out your previous job experiences and relevant skillset instead. Browse our job openings and see if there is a fit for you.

What
Ontarians
Are Saying

construction worker with equipment

“This industry is perfect for individuals who are looking to learn and grow well beyond their school education. This field encourages us to keep training and learning through our careers.”

Cameron Rose
Project Manager/Field Inspector

“It is a highly essential and rewarding field with many opportunities. Whether you prefer office work or fieldwork, there is a role for you. It allows you to have a direct, positive impact on communities.”

Alessandro Rabito
Civil Engineer Technology Student