Ship's Carpenters perform essential maintenance and repair work on naval vessels, ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of Canada's maritime fleet. Working as part of a skilled trades team, you will maintain, repair, and construct wooden and composite structures aboard ships, including decks, bulkheads, hatches, and specialized compartments. Your work is critical to vessel safety, operational readiness, and the protection of Canadian waters.
As a Ship's Carpenter, your daily responsibilities include diagnosing structural damage, performing preventive maintenance, fabricating replacement components, and working with modern shipyard equipment and hand tools. You will work in various weather conditions and confined spaces aboard vessels, collaborating closely with other trades personnel, engineers, and ship's crew. Your expertise ensures that DND vessels remain seaworthy and operationally capable for extended deployments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform marine duties supporting federal transportation operations, Ensure compliance with transportation safety regulations, Monitor and report on operational performance, Coordinate logistics and scheduling
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
You will typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with a background in carpentry, woodworking, or a related skilled trade. Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program in carpentry is highly valued. Upon hiring, the Department of National Defence provides comprehensive on-the-job training specific to naval vessel construction and maintenance, including instruction on maritime materials, ship systems, and safety protocols. You may pursue professional development through Red Seal Carpenter certification, which provides interprovincial recognition of your credentials. Additional training opportunities include specialized courses in marine composite repair, advanced structural assessment, and supervisory development for those pursuing advancement.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Ship's Carpenter position within the DND civilian workforce occurs through periodic staffing competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). The Public Service Commission manages these competitions, which are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Candidates typically compete based on education, trade certifications, and demonstrated carpentry experience in industrial or marine settings. DND also maintains talent pools for anticipated vacancies. Lateral moves are possible for carpenters already employed in other federal departments. Students or apprentices may access developmental programs or work-learn opportunities through departmental recruitment initiatives. Competition notices specify all eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Part-Time Options
Ship's Carpenter positions are primarily full-time roles given the operational demands of naval vessel maintenance and repair schedules. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to work-life balance and may offer flexible arrangements where operational requirements permit. Part-time or casual opportunities may occasionally be available during peak maintenance periods or shipyard projects. Remote work is not applicable to this role, as it requires hands-on work aboard vessels or in shipyard facilities. Employees can discuss flexible work options, including compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules, with their manager and Human Resources advisor based on operational needs and collective agreement provisions.
