Director - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

NOC 70012 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) Director or equivalent Non-Digital

Overview

As a Director of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage HVAC operations across military facilities, ensuring optimal climate control systems that support operational readiness and personnel comfort. You will oversee a team of skilled technicians and trades workers, directing the maintenance, repair, and installation of complex heating and cooling systems in various facility types, from administrative buildings to specialized operational spaces. Your expertise will be critical in maintaining safe, healthy work environments while managing budgets and ensuring compliance with federal standards and environmental regulations. This role combines technical knowledge with management responsibilities, requiring you to balance operational priorities with resource constraints while mentoring your team and driving continuous improvement in facility systems performance.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and manage the delivery of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality

Required Skills

Trade-specific technical skills, Equipment operation, Safety procedures, Blueprint reading, Physical dexterity, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership

Training

To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with several years of hands-on experience in HVAC trades and progressively responsible roles in facility management or supervision. Many successful candidates hold a Red Seal certification in HVAC or equivalent provincial/territorial credentials, demonstrating mastery of heating and cooling system design, installation, and troubleshooting. Formal management or supervisory training is valuable, and some candidates pursue qualifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credentials or post-secondary certificates in building systems management. The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development for directors, including specialized training in energy efficiency systems, advanced diagnostics, regulatory compliance, and leadership skills. You may have opportunities to pursue management development programs and technical certifications relevant to federal facility standards throughout your career.

Entry Plans

Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through internal competitions open to Canadian citizens who meet the educational and experience requirements. Many candidates advance from technician or supervisory roles within DND or other federal departments, allowing you to grow your expertise and leadership capability within the organization. If you are external to government, you may enter through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Some candidates transition laterally from related facility management or engineering roles within the Public Service. Student or early-career pathways in trades may lead to apprenticeships and progressive promotions that eventually qualify you for director-level opportunities. The specific entry route depends on current organizational needs, competition timelines, and your background. We encourage you to monitor postings on the DND Civilian Careers website and the Public Service Job Board for available opportunities.

Part-Time Options

Director-level HVAC positions in the Department of National Defence are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory and operational management responsibilities required. However, depending on organizational structure and operational needs at your specific location, there may be limited flexibility for compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules in consultation with your manager. Remote work is generally not applicable for this role, as directors must be present to oversee facility systems, lead their teams, and respond to operational emergencies or critical maintenance issues. Part-time options are rarely available at the director level, though some facilities may explore flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis. For questions about specific flexibility options at your potential work location, we recommend discussing arrangements directly with the hiring manager during the recruitment process or once employed with DND.