As a Supervisor - Electrical, you will lead and manage teams of skilled electrical trades workers in Department of National Defence (DND) facilities and operations across Canada. You will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of electrical maintenance, repair, and installation projects while ensuring all work meets federal safety standards, codes, and regulations. Your responsibilities include scheduling work, allocating resources, monitoring project timelines and budgets, and maintaining detailed records of electrical systems and maintenance activities.
In this role, you will directly supervise electrical technicians and apprentices, providing guidance on complex technical issues, quality assurance, and adherence to electrical codes and DND policies. You will coordinate with other trades supervisors, facility managers, and external contractors to ensure seamless operations and timely completion of projects. You will also be responsible for identifying training needs, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in electrical work environments.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic military environment with modern facilities, specialized equipment, and meaningful projects that support Canada's defence operations. You will be based at a DND installation and may be required to travel between sites or work on various projects depending on operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily electrical operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Trade-specific technical skills, Equipment operation, Safety procedures, Blueprint reading, Physical dexterity, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a recognized electrical apprenticeship completion or equivalent trades certification (such as a Red Seal certification in Electrician). A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement. Many candidates bring several years of hands-on experience as a journeyperson electrician before transitioning into supervisory roles.
Professional certifications that strengthen your application include interprovincial Red Seal credentials, electrical safety certifications, and relevant provincial electrical licenses. DND may require specific security clearances, and you should be prepared to obtain or maintain a valid driver's license.
Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada training programs focused on supervisory skills, management, occupational health and safety (OHS), and DND-specific policies and procedures. Professional development opportunities include leadership courses, project management training, and continued technical certifications to stay current with evolving electrical codes and technologies.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisory position within the federal Public Service typically occurs through open competitions posted on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). DND regularly recruits for electrical supervisors at various facilities across the country. You may apply directly to advertised competitions or register with talent pools when available.
Lateral moves from related positions are also possible—if you are already employed in the federal Public Service as a journeyperson electrician or in another electrical trade role, you may be eligible to apply for supervisory competitions with priority consideration. Some individuals transition from military service (Canadian Armed Forces) into civilian DND positions, which can provide streamlined pathways depending on your background.
Student or apprenticeship programs may also be available through DND for those early in their electrical trades careers, potentially leading to permanent employment. Networking with DND recruitment teams, attending career fairs, and maintaining active registration with government talent pools increases your visibility to hiring managers. It is advisable to monitor the DND careers website and jobs.gc.ca regularly for relevant postings.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - Electrical positions in DND are typically full-time, permanent roles given the nature of facility management and team leadership responsibilities. However, depending on the specific work location and operational requirements, some limited flexibility may be available for experienced candidates.
While traditional part-time arrangements are uncommon for supervisory positions, the federal Public Service does offer other work-life balance options such as flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, and telework for administrative aspects of the role (such as scheduling, reporting, and planning). These arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your manager and must not compromise operational effectiveness or safety oversight.
Leave benefits, including vacation, sick leave, and family-related leave, are governed by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat collective agreements and are generally more generous than private sector standards. As a federal employee, you will also benefit from group health and dental coverage, pension plans, and other statutory leave entitlements. Discuss specific work arrangements during the recruitment process with your hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
