As a Director of General Labour and Trades, you lead and manage a diverse team of skilled trades workers and general labourers across Defence and Climate Change operations. You are responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all labour and trades activities within your assigned area, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. Your role is critical in maintaining DND facilities, supporting military operations, and ensuring a well-maintained workplace environment for all personnel.
In this position, you manage multiple work teams performing tasks such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, equipment maintenance, and general construction activities. You allocate resources, schedule work, monitor productivity, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards. You also manage budgets, procure materials and equipment, and coordinate with other departments to prioritize workload demands.
You work in diverse environments across Defence installations, which may include offices, workshops, construction sites, and operational facilities. The role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of trades and construction practices, and the ability to manage complex projects while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general labour services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general labour 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 secondary school diploma or equivalent, combined with substantial experience in general labour, trades supervision, or construction management. Many successful candidates hold trade certifications in one or more areas such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or welding, or possess a diploma in construction management or a related field.
Once hired, you will receive training specific to DND operations, policies, and procedures. Professional development opportunities include leadership and management courses, project management certification, occupational health and safety training, and advanced technical certifications in specialized trades. DND supports ongoing learning through internal training programs and external professional development initiatives to keep you current with industry standards and best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director level typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. You may apply directly to posted competitions for the Director position if you meet the experience and education requirements. Alternatively, many candidates advance to this level by progressing through the General Labour and Trades career path, starting in positions such as Labourer, Tradesperson, or Supervisor, and building experience and credentials over time.
Lateral moves from other federal departments are also possible, particularly if you bring relevant construction management or trades supervision experience. DND occasionally uses pools of qualified candidates developed through previous recruitment campaigns, which can expedite hiring. Some candidates may enter through the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program or apprenticeship programs, though these typically lead to entry-level trades positions first. Preference may be given to candidates with federal government experience or specific security clearance eligibility.
Part-Time Options
Full-time employment is the standard for Director-level positions due to the nature of supervisory and management responsibilities. However, DND recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. These may include flexible start and end times, compressed work weeks, or telework for administrative aspects of the role such as planning, scheduling, and reporting.
Remote work options are limited for this position because your role requires regular presence at work sites to oversee operations, ensure safety compliance, and directly manage teams. However, portions of your administrative duties may be performed remotely. Specific part-time or job-sharing arrangements are rare at the Director level but may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on operational needs and business requirements. It is recommended to discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
