Specialty Trades Persons perform skilled technical work across Defence and National Security establishments. You will apply specialized knowledge and hands-on expertise to maintain, repair, install, and troubleshoot equipment, systems, and infrastructure that support military operations and defence facilities. Your work is essential to keeping our bases, ships, aircraft, and support systems operational and safe.
As a Specialty Trades Person, your day-to-day responsibilities may include diagnosing mechanical or electrical problems, performing preventive maintenance, following technical specifications and blueprints, documenting work completed, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. You will work independently and as part of teams, collaborating with other trades persons, technicians, and military personnel. Your role directly impacts operational readiness and the safety of Defence personnel and infrastructure.
You will typically work in trade shops, maintenance facilities, hangars, shipyards, or on-site at defence installations. Depending on your specialty and posting, you may work standard hours or rotating shifts, and some positions may require on-call availability or work in challenging weather and environmental conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Perform specialty trades tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Entry requirements vary by specialty trade. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a recognized apprenticeship program in your specific trade (such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC, or automotive work), or equivalent work experience. Many trades require provincial or territorial certification or journeyperson credentials.
The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development through in-house technical training, equipment-specific certifications, and advanced skills programs. You may pursue additional qualifications in emerging technologies, supervisory skills, or specialized systems relevant to defence operations. Access to training and development opportunities helps you remain current with evolving equipment and methodologies.
Entry Plans
You can enter the DND civilian workforce as a Specialty Trades Person through several pathways. The most common route is applying to a public service staffing competition posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank. Competitions may be open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically assess your technical qualifications, certifications, and relevant work experience.
The Public Service may also use recruitment pools and advertise positions directly to individuals with specific trade credentials. If you are already a Canadian Armed Forces member, you may transition to a civilian Specialty Trades Person position through internal mobility processes. Recent graduates from recognized apprenticeship programs and individuals with journeyperson certifications are encouraged to monitor competitions for entry-level and experienced positions at various defence establishments across Canada.
Part-Time Options
Most Specialty Trades Person positions are full-time, permanent roles because operational continuity and maintenance schedules require consistent availability. However, some defence establishments may offer part-time or casual opportunities, particularly for specialized tasks or seasonal maintenance work. Flexibility and remote work options are limited in this role due to the hands-on, on-site nature of the work. Your ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, or on-call may be required depending on your posting and the operational demands of your facility. During recruitment, you can discuss scheduling expectations and any accommodation needs with your hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
