As a Foreman/woman in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), you will lead and supervise a team of HVAC technicians and tradespeople on maintenance, repair, and installation projects across Department of National Defence facilities. You'll be responsible for planning work schedules, ensuring quality standards are met, coordinating with other trades, and maintaining safe working conditions on job sites. This is a hands-on supervisory role where you'll combine technical expertise with team leadership to keep critical building systems operational across the defence infrastructure.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include assigning and monitoring work tasks, conducting safety briefings and inspections, troubleshooting complex HVAC systems, managing inventory and tools, and reporting on project progress and budgets. You'll work with various heating systems, air conditioning units, ventilation networks, and building automation systems in diverse environments—from military barracks and administrative buildings to specialized facilities. Your technical knowledge and leadership skills ensure that work meets Department standards and deadlines while supporting the operational readiness of Defence establishments.
This role offers variety and the satisfaction of maintaining systems essential to personnel comfort and facility operations. You'll work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, and may be required to work irregular hours to address urgent maintenance or emergency situations. The position combines problem-solving, team coordination, and technical skill in a safety-conscious environment.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Trade-specific technical skills, Equipment operation, Safety procedures, Blueprint reading, Physical dexterity, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a recognized apprenticeship completion in HVAC or equivalent trade experience, plus formal supervisory or leadership training. Many candidates hold a Red Seal HVAC Certification, which is recognized across Canada and demonstrates competency in refrigeration, heating systems, and ventilation. You must have several years of hands-on HVAC experience before moving into a supervisory role.
The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development through workshops, safety certifications (such as Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, and Asbestos Awareness), and courses in first aid and emergency response. Supervisors are encouraged to pursue management and leadership training to strengthen team coordination and decision-making skills. Technical updates on building automation systems and energy-efficient technologies are regularly provided to keep your expertise current.
Entry Plans
You can enter this civilian career with the Department of National Defence through several pathways. The most common route is applying to public service job competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank or directly through DND's recruitment portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with the required trade qualifications and supervisory experience.
If you're already working as an HVAC technician in the private sector, you may apply for lateral postings to supervisory positions as they become available. Current DND civilian employees working in HVAC trades can advance to foreman/woman roles through internal promotion competitions. Student work-study programs and apprenticeship co-op placements may also provide pathways to permanent employment once you complete your trade credentials. The Department periodically runs recruitment campaigns for trades, so monitoring DND career postings regularly increases your chances of finding opportunities.
Part-Time Options
HVAC Foreman/woman positions are primarily full-time roles due to the supervisory responsibilities and the need for consistent leadership on job sites. However, the Department of National Defence does offer flexible work arrangements in some cases. Depending on facility needs and operational requirements, some schedule flexibility may be negotiated, such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start times.
Remote work is not typical for this role, as your presence is required on-site to supervise teams, inspect work, and respond to maintenance emergencies. However, administrative tasks related to scheduling, budget tracking, and reporting may be completed flexibly. The Department is committed to work-life balance, and supervisors are expected to work standard hours except during urgent repairs or emergency situations. Discuss specific flexibility options with your hiring manager, as accommodations vary by location and facility needs.
