As a Glazier with the Department of National Defence, you will be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining glass and glazing systems in military facilities, buildings, and infrastructure across Canada. Your work is essential to maintaining safe, secure, and weather-resistant environments in defence installations. You will work with various types of glass products, including tempered glass, laminated glass, and specialized glazing systems, using precision tools and techniques to ensure high-quality installations that meet federal building codes and DND specifications.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include measuring and cutting glass to exact specifications, preparing frames and surfaces, installing glass panes and glazing compounds, and performing maintenance and repairs on existing installations. You may also be called upon to troubleshoot glazing problems, inspect work for quality and safety compliance, and maintain detailed records of your work. This is a hands-on trade that requires attention to detail, physical capability, and a commitment to workplace safety standards.
You will work in diverse environments, from climate-controlled workshops to outdoor construction sites and active military facilities. You may be required to work at heights, in confined spaces, or in adverse weather conditions. Travel to different DND locations across Canada may be required depending on operational needs and project assignments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform specialty trades tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Glazier with DND, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates complete a recognized glazier apprenticeship program through a provincial trades training institution, which usually takes three to four years and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on work experience. Relevant coursework includes glass cutting and shaping, frame and sash installation, safety practices, and blueprint reading.
Professional certifications that enhance your candidacy include provincial glazier trade certificates and Red Seal certification, which allows you to work across Canada. DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialized training in handling military-grade glazing systems, advanced safety protocols, and new glazing technologies. You may also have access to Health and Safety training, confined space entry certification, and advanced skills development in your trade. Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with building codes and industry standards is expected throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Glazier career in the DND civilian workforce through several pathways. The most common route is applying for open competitions posted on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions assess your trade qualifications, technical knowledge, and relevant experience. If you are currently unemployed or between jobs, you may be eligible for priority consideration through federal employment equity programs.
If you are already a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, you may transition into a civilian Glazier position through internal mobility processes. Some DND locations offer apprenticeship or student employment programs for those early in their careers, providing valuable experience and potential pathways to permanent positions. Lateral moves from related trades are also possible if you have transferable skills and can demonstrate competency in glazier-specific work. Keep in mind that all positions require security clearance eligibility and the ability to work in Canadian military environments.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work opportunities for Glaziers in the DND civilian workforce are limited but may be available depending on operational needs and facility requirements. Most Glazier positions are full-time permanent or term positions working standard business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 37.5 hours per week. However, emergency repairs or urgent facility maintenance may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work on an as-needed basis.
Remote work is not applicable to the Glazier trade, as the role requires hands-on physical work with materials and equipment on-site. Flexible scheduling options are determined by your supervisor and operational demands at your assigned DND location. If you require flexible work arrangements due to personal circumstances, we encourage you to discuss this with the hiring manager or your supervisor, though availability will depend on the specific needs of your work unit. Shift work may be required at certain facilities to ensure continuous facility maintenance and emergency response capabilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
