As a Supervisor - Research and Analysis in the Welding job family, you will lead and manage teams engaged in welding operations, metal fabrication, and related skilled trades work. You will be responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of welding projects while ensuring quality standards, safety protocols, and operational efficiency are consistently met. Your role bridges technical expertise with people management, requiring you to apply your welding knowledge to guide team members, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to Defence and national security objectives.
Your daily responsibilities will include supervising welding technicians and trades personnel, assigning work tasks, monitoring project timelines and budgets, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. You will conduct quality inspections, provide technical guidance on welding procedures and materials, and maintain detailed records of work performed. Additionally, you will participate in training and development of your team members, conduct performance evaluations, and communicate with other departments and supervisors to ensure seamless project delivery.
You will work in diverse environments across DND facilities, including shipyards, maintenance depots, manufacturing workshops, and construction sites. The work environment demands attention to detail, physical presence on job sites, and the ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams, project managers, and other trades professionals. This position offers the opportunity to apply specialized technical skills while developing leadership capabilities within Canada's defence infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily welding 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 supervisor role, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with several years of hands-on experience as a journeyperson welder or in a related metal trades occupation. Many candidates hold a provincial welding certificate or interprovincial Red Seal certification, which demonstrates recognized competency across Canada.
Professional certifications valued in this role include: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Canadian Welding Society (CWS) certifications, or trade-specific qualifications in specialized welding processes (such as pipeline, structural, or aerospace welding). Some positions may require knowledge of welding codes and standards, such as CSA W47.1 or ASME standards, depending on the specific DND application.
Once hired, the Government of Canada provides comprehensive professional development opportunities, including supervisory and management training through the Treasury Board learning programs, occupational health and safety certification, and technical advancement courses. DND also supports employees pursuing additional certifications and credentials throughout their career, with options for tuition assistance and paid learning time.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Supervisor - Research and Analysis position in DND typically occurs through several pathways. Most commonly, candidates compete in a Public Service Commission (PSC) staffing process advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and may be advertised as either internal (current public servants only) or external (open to the public).
Internal candidates may also access this role through lateral moves or promotions if they currently work in related welding, metal trades, or supervisory positions within the Public Service. DND occasionally recruits experienced tradespeople directly from industry, particularly those with journeyperson certification or specialized welding credentials.
Student and early-career pathways include the Military Engineering Apprenticeship Program (MEAP) and other DND development initiatives that can lead to permanent Public Service positions. Additionally, candidates with prior Canadian Armed Forces experience in trades occupations may have preferential consideration or streamlined entry processes.
All successful candidates must obtain a security clearance, which is a mandatory requirement for DND positions. The clearance level depends on the specific role and facility.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - Research and Analysis positions in the Welding trades are typically full-time, permanent roles that require regular presence on job sites and workshops. These positions generally involve standard Government of Canada hours (37.5 hours per week) with occasional overtime during peak project periods or maintenance schedules.
Part-time opportunities in welding supervision within DND are limited, as supervisory responsibilities require consistent team oversight and project continuity. However, some specialized or project-based supervisory contracts may offer flexible arrangements depending on operational needs.
Remote work is not standard for this occupation due to the hands-on, on-site nature of welding operations and the requirement to directly supervise work in progress. However, administrative and planning components of the role may occasionally be performed from an office setting.
DND supports work-life balance through flexible scheduling options where operationally feasible, access to employee assistance programs, and standard federal benefits including leave entitlements. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work arrangements with their managers within the constraints of operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
