As an HVAC Installer with the Department of National Defence, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across our military facilities and infrastructure. Your work ensures that defence establishments maintain safe, comfortable, and operationally effective environments for personnel and equipment. You will work with a variety of HVAC equipment, from large industrial systems to smaller residential units, depending on facility requirements.
Your daily responsibilities will include reading and interpreting technical blueprints and specifications, assembling and installing HVAC components such as ducts, pipes, and mechanical units, performing preventive maintenance and inspections, and troubleshooting system malfunctions. You will also be responsible for ensuring all work meets federal safety standards, environmental regulations, and DND specifications. This role requires attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a maintenance team.
You will typically work in diverse environments including military bases, training facilities, administrative buildings, and specialized installations. Work may involve standing for extended periods, working at heights, and handling heavy equipment. Some positions may require shift work or on-call availability to respond to heating and cooling emergencies that could affect operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) 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
Most candidates enter this position with a high school diploma or equivalent and either a recognized HVAC apprenticeship or equivalent technical training. Many successful applicants have completed a three to four-year HVAC technician apprenticeship program through a provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority.
Professional certifications valuable for this role include EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certification for handling refrigerants, which is often mandatory, and provincial HVAC licenses where applicable. Some provinces require Red Seal certification as a Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
Once hired by DND, you will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities including advanced technical training, certifications specific to military facility systems, and trade-specific courses offered through the Canadian Armed Forces Learning System. Many employees pursue additional qualifications to advance into supervisory or specialized technical roles.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career with DND through several pathways. The most common route is through open competitive recruitment processes where we advertise specific HVAC Installer positions at individual bases or regional facilities. Positions are posted on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website.
If you are already a member of the federal Public Service, you may be eligible to apply through internal competitions or lateral moves from related trades or maintenance positions. Students may also explore opportunities through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can provide pathway opportunities to permanent positions.
We also accept applications from candidates on relevant provincial or federal apprenticeship programs. Successful candidates must pass a security clearance process appropriate to the facility access level required for the specific position, typically a Reliability status or higher.
Part-Time Options
HVAC Installer positions with DND are primarily full-time, permanent positions due to the essential nature of facility maintenance and the operational requirements of military installations. However, some flexibility may exist depending on the specific facility and organizational needs.
In certain circumstances, part-time or casual work opportunities may be available, particularly for temporary replacements, seasonal maintenance projects, or at facilities with lower operational demands. Compressed work week arrangements may be negotiable at some locations, though this depends on facility requirements and supervisory approval.
Remote work is not applicable to this trade, as the role requires physical presence to perform equipment installation, maintenance, and repairs on-site. However, some administrative or planning components of the role may occasionally be conducted remotely. Employees should discuss flexibility options directly with their hiring manager or Human Resources representative, as accommodations vary by location and operational circumstances.
