As a Manager – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), you will lead and oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems across Department of National Defence facilities. You will manage a team of technicians and trades workers, ensuring that heating, cooling, and ventilation systems operate safely and efficiently to support military operations and personnel comfort. This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, requiring you to balance operational demands, budget management, and staff development while maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards.
Your responsibilities will include planning and coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance activities, troubleshooting complex HVAC system failures, ensuring compliance with building codes and environmental regulations, and optimizing energy efficiency across facilities. You will also oversee work schedules, performance evaluations, and professional development for your team, while managing spare parts inventory and coordinating with other trades and building services. Working in a range of environments from military bases to administrative facilities, you will ensure continuous operation of critical climate control systems that support mission readiness and workplace safety.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) 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 will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with extensive practical experience in HVAC systems installation, maintenance, and repair. A Red Seal certification as an HVAC Technician or equivalent provincial credential is required or expected. Many candidates hold post-secondary diplomas in HVAC technology, refrigeration, or mechanical systems from recognized trade schools or community colleges.
Once hired, you will receive ongoing professional development through Government of Canada training programs, including formal courses in supervisory and management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental compliance, and advanced HVAC diagnostics. You may pursue additional certifications in energy management, building automation systems, or specialized refrigerant handling. The Department supports continuous learning through mentorship, industry conferences, and access to professional associations related to the HVAC and facility management sectors.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through advertised public competitions on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca). The Department of National Defence regularly recruits HVAC Managers to fill vacancies across its national facility network. Candidates may also enter through targeted recruitment campaigns, internal advancement opportunities for HVAC Technicians seeking supervisory roles, or lateral transfers from other federal departments with equivalent experience.
If you are already working as an HVAC Technician in the Public Service, you may be eligible to apply for manager-level positions through internal competitions or be considered for developmental assignments that prepare you for leadership. The Public Service may also accept applications from Red Seal certified trades workers in the private sector. Student work programs and apprenticeships in HVAC trades can provide pathways to future permanent positions. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship, a valid security clearance (usually Reliability or Secret level), and the ability to meet Treasury Board standards for management appointments.
Part-Time Options
HVAC Manager positions are primarily full-time roles due to the operational nature of facility management and the supervisory responsibilities involved. However, the Department of National Defence recognizes the importance of work-life balance and may offer flexible scheduling options in some circumstances, such as compressed work weeks or flexible start and end times, subject to operational requirements and manager approval.
Remote work is limited for this role, as it requires regular on-site presence to oversee maintenance operations, conduct inspections, and manage team activities across facilities. However, administrative and planning components of the role may be performed remotely on an occasional basis. Part-time or casual employment in HVAC roles is uncommon at the management level, though such arrangements may exist for technician-level positions. Interested candidates are encouraged to inquire about specific scheduling options during the recruitment process and to discuss arrangements with their hiring manager, as flexibility may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on operational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
