As a Manager - Carpentry, you will lead and oversee carpentry operations and skilled trades teams within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling carpentry projects while ensuring work meets quality standards, safety requirements, and budgetary constraints. Your role bridges technical carpentry expertise with management responsibilities, requiring you to supervise staff, manage resources, and coordinate with other departments and contractors.
Your day-to-day work includes assigning tasks to carpenters and apprentices, inspecting work in progress, maintaining safety protocols, and preparing reports on project status and resource utilization. You will work on a variety of construction and maintenance projects across DND facilities, ranging from structural repairs to specialized installations. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in dynamic, sometimes challenging environments.
You will work primarily on military bases and facilities across Canada. The role may involve shift work, overtime during critical projects, and occasional travel between sites. You must be physically capable of performing site inspections and understanding hands-on carpentry work, even while managing from a supervisory perspective.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of carpentry services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the carpentry team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a journeyperson certificate in carpentry or equivalent trade qualification recognized in Canada. Many managers in this role have progressed from carpenter positions and obtained their credentials through apprenticeship programs (usually 4 years) combined with in-the-job training.
Professional development opportunities with DND include leadership and management courses, project management certifications, occupational health and safety training, and specialized certifications in areas like blueprint reading or building code compliance. The Public Service offers tuition support for eligible employees pursuing relevant credentials. You may also access programs through professional associations such as provincial carpentry trade councils or the Canadian Construction Association.
Continuing education in workplace safety, supervisory practices, and emerging construction technologies is encouraged and often required to maintain management standards within the federal public service.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to become a Manager - Carpentry in the DND civilian workforce:
Competitive Processes: DND posts management positions through open competitions. You can apply when a Manager - Carpentry competition is advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship, a valid security clearance, and the required trade qualifications.
Internal Advancement: If you are already working as a carpenter or in a related trade position within the DND civilian workforce, you may apply for management openings. Internal candidates often have advantages as they understand DND operations and have demonstrated performance records.
Lateral Moves: Experienced managers from other trade areas or construction management backgrounds in the federal public service may transition into this role through internal competitions.
Apprentice and Early Career Programs: If you are beginning your carpentry career, you can enter DND as a carpenter apprentice or entry-level tradesperson. This provides a pathway to develop skills and eventually apply for management positions after gaining experience and certifications.
All positions require successful security screening and may require a Top Secret or Secret security clearance depending on the posting location.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Manager - Carpentry positions are generally limited due to the supervisory and operational nature of the role. Managers are typically required to maintain regular, full-time presence to oversee teams and ensure project continuity and safety compliance.
However, some flexibility may be negotiated depending on the specific DND facility and operational requirements. Remote work is not standard for this role, as the position requires on-site presence to conduct inspections, supervise staff, and manage active construction and maintenance projects.
If you require accommodation due to a disability or have other specific circumstances, DND supports discussions with your manager about possible arrangements within operational constraints. Contact your local HR office or refer to the Treasury Board's Directive on Attendance Management for information on flexible work options in the federal public service.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
