As a Concrete Mason with the Department of National Defence, you will be responsible for constructing, repairing, and finishing concrete structures on military installations across Canada. Your work will be essential to maintaining and building the infrastructure that supports Canadian Armed Forces operations, including barracks, runways, roads, and specialized facilities. You will work with concrete materials, formwork, reinforcing steel, and finishing techniques to ensure structures meet precise specifications and safety standards.
Your daily responsibilities will include preparing work sites, setting up formwork and scaffolding, pouring and spreading concrete, finishing concrete surfaces to required tolerances, and performing quality inspections. You will collaborate with other trades workers, supervisors, and engineers to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget. This is a hands-on role that demands attention to detail, physical stamina, and a commitment to workplace safety in all weather conditions.
You will work primarily on Department of National Defence properties and military bases, which may require occasional travel within your region or across Canada depending on project assignments. Your work environment will vary from indoor facility construction to outdoor structural projects, and you will need to adapt to changing weather conditions and site conditions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and workmanship.
Key Responsibilities
Perform masonry tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a recognized concrete masonry apprenticeship program, which usually takes 3-4 years to complete through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Some provinces offer pre-apprenticeship programs for those entering the trade.
Certifications that are valuable or required include a valid trade certificate in concrete finishing or masonry from your province, safe work practices certifications (such as WHMIS and Fall Protection), and a Standard First Aid certification. Many positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain security clearance.
The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development through trade-specific training, safety certifications, and skills upgrading opportunities. You may have access to training in advanced concrete finishing techniques, CAD software, blueprint reading, and supervisory skills development if you aspire to move into leadership roles. Regular participation in health and safety training is mandatory.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Concrete Mason position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and the DND Civilian Careers portal. These competitions are merit-based and open to Canadian citizens who meet the stated qualifications.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you are already a Public Service employee in another position, or through internal advancement if you begin as an apprentice or helper. The Department occasionally recruits through student work-integrated learning programs and co-op placements that can lead to permanent positions upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.
To apply, you will need to submit proof of your trade certification, complete an online application through the PSC system, and may be required to participate in an interview and practical assessment of your concrete finishing skills. Security clearance eligibility is mandatory for positions on military installations.
Part-Time Options
Concrete Mason positions within the Department of National Defence are primarily full-time, permanent roles due to the nature of construction and infrastructure maintenance work. However, the Department recognizes the need for flexibility in scheduling and may accommodate part-time arrangements depending on project requirements and operational needs.
Flexible work arrangements are limited for this trade position since concrete work is often time-sensitive and weather-dependent, requiring consistent daily presence on job sites. Remote work is not applicable to this hands-on trade role. Shift work may be required during major construction or emergency repairs, and you should be prepared for occasional overtime during critical project phases.
If you are seeking part-time work or are interested in flexible scheduling, we recommend discussing specific arrangements with the hiring manager during the application process or after hire, as availability may vary by location and project demands.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
