As a Director of Mechanical Services, you provide strategic leadership and oversight of mechanical services operations within Department of National Defence facilities and infrastructure. You direct teams of mechanical technicians, engineers, and trades personnel while ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and related mechanical systems. Your work directly supports operational readiness by maintaining critical infrastructure across military installations.
In this role, you develop and implement mechanical services policies, procedures, and standards that align with federal regulations and DND requirements. You manage budgets, plan capital projects, coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and ensure compliance with safety codes and environmental standards. You work collaboratively with other departments, contractors, and stakeholders to optimize facility operations and infrastructure longevity.
You work in a dynamic environment that may include office-based planning and administration as well as on-site inspections at military installations. This position may require occasional travel between locations and responsiveness to urgent operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of mechanical services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the mechanical services 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 high school diploma or equivalent, combined with extensive experience in mechanical trades and progressively responsible supervisory or management roles. Many successful candidates hold a Red Seal certification in a mechanical trade (such as plumbing, heating and cooling, or sheet metal work) or equivalent provincial credentials.
Professional development is supported through government-sponsored training in project management, leadership, facility management systems, and relevant technical certifications. The Government of Canada offers courses through the Canadian Armed Forces College, the Public Service Commission, and partnered institutions. Many directors pursue certifications such as Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) status or facility management credentials (CFM, FMP) to advance their expertise and career prospects. Ongoing learning in building codes, energy efficiency standards, and emerging mechanical technologies is encouraged.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director level typically occurs through internal advancement within the Public Service. Most candidates progress through intermediate trades positions (Mechanical Technician, Red Seal trades certifications) into supervisory roles (Supervisor - Mechanical Services) before competing for Director-level positions.
You may enter this career stream through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and through departmental staffing processes. DND also considers lateral moves from other federal departments with equivalent management experience in infrastructure, operations, or technical services. Some candidates transition from military service as non-commissioned members with mechanical expertise and management experience. Participation in federal bridging programs and rotational assignments can build the experience needed for advancement to director level.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time permanent roles due to the strategic leadership and continuous operational responsibilities required. However, the Government of Canada supports work-life balance through flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Some flexibility may be negotiated regarding hours of work and telework for administrative duties such as budget planning, policy development, and reporting. However, on-site presence at facilities for inspections, emergency response, and team leadership is generally required. Compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules may be possible depending on operational needs and departmental policies. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the Director level are uncommon but may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Interested candidates should discuss flexibility options during the recruitment process with their hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
