As a Director of Masonry, you lead and manage masonry operations and projects across Department of National Defence facilities and infrastructure. You oversee skilled tradespeople, coordinate complex construction and renovation projects, and ensure work meets safety standards, timelines, and budget requirements. This role combines technical masonry expertise with management responsibilities, making you accountable for project delivery, team performance, and quality assurance.
Your day-to-day work involves planning masonry projects, allocating resources, supervising crews, conducting inspections, and liaising with other construction trades and project managers. You ensure compliance with building codes, National Building Code of Canada standards, and DND policies. You may also mentor junior trades workers, develop training programs, and contribute to continuous improvement of masonry practices across the organization.
You'll work in a variety of environments including military bases, training facilities, and administrative buildings across Canada. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of masonry techniques, materials, and industry best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of masonry services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the masonry team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a journeyperson credential in masonry (brick, stone, or tile setting) recognized by your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority. Many successful candidates hold Red Seal certification, which allows mobility across Canada. Some positions may require a provincial masonry license or equivalent trade qualification.
Beyond the trade credential, DND values management training and certifications. Many Directors pursue construction management credentials, project management certifications (such as PMP or equivalent), or supervisory/leadership courses offered through Canadian construction associations. Health and safety certifications, particularly in construction site safety and WHMIS, are essential. Previous experience in supervisory or foreman roles is typically expected before appointment to a Director level.
The Public Service offers professional development opportunities including leadership training, advanced project management courses, and technical updates on new masonry materials and techniques. DND also supports continued learning through tuition assistance programs for relevant certifications and upgrades.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director-level position typically occurs through advertised Public Service competitions. Most candidates apply after gaining 5-10 years of progressive experience in masonry trades, including time in supervisory or lead hand roles. The Government of Canada uses merit-based selection; you'll compete against other qualified candidates through written assessments, practical evaluations, and interviews.
Lateral moves from other construction trades or from lower-level masonry positions (Journeyperson, Lead Hand) within DND are common pathways. If you're already a federal employee in a related trade, you may be eligible for priority consideration or informal recruitment processes. Some positions may be filled through staffing pools established from previous competitions.
Students or apprentices can enter the masonry field through DND's apprenticeship coordination programs, though advancement to Director level requires several years of progressive experience. Veterans with military construction experience and equivalent trade qualifications may find expedited pathways through dedicated hiring initiatives.
When applying, you'll need to demonstrate your Red Seal or provincial journeyperson credential, document your supervisory experience, and provide references from previous employers attesting to your technical and leadership capabilities.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in masonry are typically full-time, permanent roles given the supervisory and management responsibilities involved. However, the Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and approval by your manager.
Some flexibility may be available in work scheduling, such as adjusting start times or, in limited circumstances, compressed work weeks during planning or administrative phases of projects. Remote work is generally not suitable for this role due to the requirement to supervise on-site masonry operations and conduct regular facility inspections.
If you require accommodation for caregiving, medical, or other personal circumstances, DND's human resources team can discuss options that align with both your needs and operational requirements. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements are rarely available at the Director level but may be explored during specific life stages. We encourage you to discuss flexibility needs during the recruitment process or after appointment.
