As a Director - Welding, you will lead and manage welding operations and teams within Department of National Defence facilities. You are responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of welding projects that support military operations and infrastructure maintenance. This role involves directing skilled tradespeople, ensuring quality standards are met, and managing budgets and resources to deliver results on time and within scope.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising welding technicians and apprentices, reviewing technical specifications and project requirements, implementing safety protocols, and conducting inspections to ensure work meets Canadian welding standards and DND specifications. You will also prepare reports, manage departmental budgets, and coordinate with other trades and departments to ensure seamless project delivery.
You will work in diverse environments including shipyards, aircraft maintenance facilities, ammunition production plants, and equipment repair centres across Canada. The role requires strong leadership skills, technical welding knowledge, and the ability to manage complex projects in safety-sensitive environments.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of welding services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the welding 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 and completion of a welding apprenticeship program recognized in Canada (usually 4,000+ hours of paid work experience plus technical training). Many candidates hold a Journeyperson Welding certificate or Red Seal designation.
Professional certifications in specialized welding processes (such as structural steel, pressure vessel, or pipeline welding) are highly valued. Additional qualifications may include supervisor or management certifications through provincial trade associations, and familiarity with welding inspection standards such as CSA W186 or AWS D1.1.
The Department of National Defence provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including management courses, advanced technical training in specialized welding techniques, occupational health and safety certification, and leadership development programs. You may also pursue relevant credentials through provincial apprenticeship authorities and industry associations to stay current with evolving standards and best practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service:
Competitive recruitment: DND posts Director - Welding positions through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These competitions typically require you to submit an application demonstrating your welding qualifications, supervisory experience, and relevant credentials.
Internal mobility: If you are already a Government of Canada employee in a welding or related trade position, you may apply for Director - Welding vacancies through internal competitions, which may have less stringent competition requirements.
DND apprenticeship programs: The Department recruits apprentices in welding trades who, upon completion and journeyperson certification, may advance to supervisory and management positions.
Lateral movement: Experienced welders or supervisors from the private sector or other government departments can apply during recruitment competitions. Your work experience and credentials will be assessed against the job requirements.
All candidates must obtain security clearance and pass medical and reliability assessments as required by the Department of National Defence.
Part-Time Options
Full-time permanent employment is the standard for Director - Welding positions, given the operational requirements and supervisory responsibilities within DND facilities. However, the Department of National Defence recognizes the importance of work-life balance.
Flexible work arrangements may be available for specific administrative or planning duties associated with the role, subject to operational requirements and manager approval. Remote work options are typically limited due to the hands-on supervisory nature of the position and the need to be present in welding facilities to oversee safety-critical operations and mentor staff.
Part-time opportunities in welding trades are occasionally available at certain DND locations, though advancement to Director level usually requires a full-time commitment. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible arrangements with their manager and Human Resources representative to explore options that meet both personal needs and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
