As a Manager - Painting in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee painting operations and teams responsible for maintaining and preparing surfaces on military infrastructure, equipment, and facilities across Canada. You will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating painting projects while ensuring work meets quality standards, safety regulations, and budget requirements. Your team may include painting technicians, apprentices, and general labourers working on diverse projects ranging from routine maintenance to specialized coatings on military vessels, aircraft, and buildings.
In this role, you will manage resources, track project timelines, and ensure compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety standards. You will report to senior management and collaborate with other trades, engineering teams, and facility management to integrate painting work into broader maintenance and construction initiatives. You may work in various environments including shipyards, air force bases, army establishments, and maintenance facilities, with exposure to different climates and working conditions depending on posting location.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of painting services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the painting 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
Successful candidates typically have completed secondary education and possess formal training or apprenticeship in painting trades. Many managers in this role hold a journeyperson certificate in painting or a related trade. Professional development within DND includes supervisory and management training, occupational health and safety certification, and specialized courses in military coating systems and surface preparation techniques. Familiarity with project management tools, budget planning, and compliance with National Defence standards is valuable. Ongoing training ensures you stay current with evolving painting technologies, environmental regulations, and safety protocols specific to military operations.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through advertised competitions for the Manager - Painting position, typically requiring several years of painting trade experience and demonstrated supervisory or leadership capability. Many candidates advance from journeyperson painting positions within DND after gaining experience and successfully completing management training programs. The Public Service may also consider lateral moves from equivalent management positions in other trades or construction-related fields. Student and apprenticeship programs are available for those entering the painting trade at earlier career stages. Entry requirements are confirmed in each specific job advertisement, which details experience, education, and security clearance needs.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible arrangements for Manager - Painting positions depend on operational requirements and are typically limited compared to office-based roles, as supervisory presence on job sites is essential. However, some administrative and planning duties may be performed with schedule flexibility. Remote work opportunities are minimal given the need to supervise on-site operations and ensure safety compliance. Availability for varying shift schedules, including early mornings or seasonal adjustments, may be required based on project demands and facility maintenance priorities. Specific flexibility options should be discussed with your hiring manager and are subject to operational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
