As a Supervisor in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), you will lead and manage a team of HVAC technicians and trades workers at Department of National Defence facilities across Canada. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in military buildings, barracks, workshops, and operational facilities. Your leadership ensures that all HVAC systems operate safely and efficiently to support the health, comfort, and readiness of Canadian Armed Forces personnel and civilians working in DND facilities.
Your daily responsibilities include supervising work schedules and assignments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards, performing quality inspections of completed work, managing inventory and equipment, and maintaining detailed records of maintenance and repairs. You will coordinate with other trades supervisors, facility managers, and external contractors to ensure seamless integration of HVAC services with broader facility maintenance operations. You will also mentor and train your team members, identify skill development needs, and contribute to continuous improvement of service delivery and workplace safety practices.
You will work in a dynamic military environment at bases and facilities from coast to coast. This role combines technical expertise with people management, requiring you to balance operational demands with team development and safety priorities. Your work directly contributes to maintaining operational facilities that support Canada's defence mission.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) 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 high school diploma or equivalent, along with a recognized trade certificate or apprenticeship in HVAC systems. Many candidates hold a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic or HVAC Technician certification. You must have several years of hands-on experience as a journeyperson or certified tradesperson before being considered for a supervisory role. Some positions may require or prefer post-secondary training in building systems, facilities management, or a related technical field.
Supervisory qualifications include demonstrated leadership experience, either in a formal supervisory capacity or through leading work teams and mentoring junior staff. Many successful candidates complete or are pursuing formal supervisory or management training programs. In the federal Public Service, you may have access to professional development opportunities including safety certifications, advanced HVAC technologies training, project management courses, and DND-specific facility management programs. Maintaining current knowledge of building codes, environmental regulations, and energy efficiency standards is important for career advancement. Some positions may require a valid driver's license and willingness to travel between DND facilities.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisory position typically occurs through one of several federal Public Service pathways. The most common route is internal advancement: HVAC technicians and journeypeople already employed by DND or other federal departments can apply for supervisor competitions when they become available. DND regularly posts competitions for Supervisor - HVAC positions on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and the DND civilian careers portal.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you hold a supervisory position in a related trades area within the federal Public Service. Some candidates transition from private sector HVAC supervision by applying directly to open competitions, though you would need to meet federal qualification standards and undergo security screening.
DND occasionally uses staffing pools and succession planning initiatives to identify and develop future supervisors from within the HVAC technician workforce. If you are currently an HVAC technician with DND, you can discuss career development opportunities with your manager and HR advisor. Networking within DND facilities and staying informed about posting timelines through the PSC Job Bank will help you identify opportunities. All federal positions require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and the ability to obtain security clearance.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - HVAC positions at DND are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the operational nature of facility maintenance and the need for consistent leadership and oversight. However, the Public Service does offer some flexibility options depending on operational requirements and specific facility locations.
Remote work for this role is generally limited, as supervisors need to be present at their assigned facilities to oversee teams, conduct inspections, and respond to maintenance emergencies. However, some administrative duties and planning work may be completed off-site depending on facility needs.
Flexible work arrangements such as modified hours or compressed work weeks may be negotiated with your manager and HR, subject to operational demands. DND supervisors often have more flexibility during non-operational periods or in administrative components of their work. Part-time supervisory positions are rarely available in this field due to the requirement for consistent team leadership and facility oversight. If flexible work arrangements are important to you, discuss options with your hiring manager before accepting a position, as possibilities vary significantly by location and facility type.
