As a Manager - Masonry with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and supervise masonry teams responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of DND buildings and infrastructure across Canada. You will oversee project planning, quality control, safety compliance, and the day-to-day operations of masonry work on military installations and facilities. This role combines hands-on trade expertise with management responsibilities, requiring you to coordinate schedules, manage budgets, ensure adherence to building codes and standards, and mentor skilled trades personnel. You will work in a dynamic environment that includes both routine maintenance tasks and specialized construction projects supporting Canada's military infrastructure. Your work directly contributes to maintaining safe, functional facilities for Canadian Armed Forces members and DND civilian employees across the country.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of masonry services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the masonry 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 recognized masonry certification or apprenticeship (such as a Provincial masonry ticket or Red Seal certification), combined with several years of hands-on experience as a journeyperson mason. Many successful candidates hold a trades qualification in masonry and have progressed through increasingly responsible roles before moving into management. Once hired, DND provides training in federal procurement, project management, health and safety legislation, and leadership skills specific to the Public Service. You may have opportunities to pursue additional certifications in construction management, supervisory skills, or specialized masonry techniques. Professional development through the DND Learning and Development programs helps you advance your management capabilities and stay current with evolving building standards and technologies.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca), where you can apply directly if you meet the posted qualifications. Some positions may be filled through internal priority hiring for current Public Service employees seeking advancement. If you are already working as a journeyperson mason or in a related trades role within DND or other federal departments, you may be considered for lateral movement or promotion into a management position. The Canadian Armed Forces also offers apprenticeship and trades training programs; successful completion can lead to civilian opportunities within DND. Networking with DND Human Resources and monitoring career postings regularly increases your chances of securing a position that matches your experience and career goals.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Masonry positions are typically full-time roles, as the supervisory and coordination responsibilities require consistent on-site presence and availability. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance. Many DND facilities operate during standard business hours, though some projects may involve shift work or extended hours depending on operational requirements. Flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted schedules or compressed work weeks, may be negotiable with your manager and are subject to operational needs and the nature of your projects. Remote work is generally limited for this role due to the hands-on supervisory requirements on construction and maintenance sites; however, administrative and planning tasks may occasionally be completed off-site. DND is committed to supporting employees through policies on leave, telework where feasible, and work-life balance initiatives. Discuss specific flexibility options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process, as arrangements vary by location and project demands.
