Air Drop Systems Technician

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A national military organization is seeking Air Drop Systems Technicians who will be responsible for packing and maintaining parachute systems, supporting airborne operations, and ensuring personnel safety. No prior experience is necessary, but candidates must complete Grade 10 education. Physical fitness is essential along with the ability to work in both warehouse and field environments.

Benefits

Professional training opportunities

Varied work environment

Qualifications

• No previous work experience required.
• Minimum education is Grade 10 completion.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Pack and maintain parachute systems.
• Conduct inspections and maintenance.
• Participate in parachute jumps.

Skills

Expert packing of parachute systems

Technical guidance

Field operation participation

Maintenance of parachute systems

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4

Tools

GPS-guided parachute systems

Sewing machine systems

Job description

Overview

As members of the military, Air Drop Systems Technicians are the Canadian Forces go-to experts on a wide range of parachute systems and parachute-related equipment. They support airborne operations for Infantry Parachute Companies, Air Force Aerial Delivery Sections, Special Operations, and Search and Rescue.

As an Air Drop Systems Technician, your responsibilities are diverse and crucial. You will ensure the safety of personnel by packing and repairing parachutes and related airborne equipment. You will provide technical guidance to commanders and staff, aiding in the planning and execution of airborne and airdrop operations. Your expertise will be crucial to mission success.

Primarily working in a warehouse environment, you will also fine-tune parachute systems and maintain peak performance. You may participate in a parachute jump as part of the mandatory qualification requirements. The primary duties of an Air Drop Systems Technician are to:

• Proficiently pack and maintain an extensive array of parachute systems, including extraction parachute systems, light, medium, and heavy cargo parachute systems, as well as round/mass and square/precision personnel parachute systems.
• Utilize advanced equipment integral to parachute operations, such as GPS-guided aerial delivery parachute systems.
• Conduct thorough inspections and maintenance of sewing machine systems used in the upkeep of parachutes and related equipment.
• Actively participate in the support of airborne operations.
• Operate within a broad spectrum of parachute operations within the CAF, providing vital support to Infantry Parachute Battalions, Air Force Aerial Delivery Sections, Special Operations, and Search and Rescue.
• Conduct in-depth investigations into incident malfunctions pertaining to parachute operations.
• Supervise packing and maintenance of all parachute systems and related airborne equipment.
• Ensure the upkeep of required parachuting qualifications.

Work environment

Air Drop Systems Technicians typically work indoors in a temperature-regulated warehouse handling and maintaining a variety of diverse parachute systems. However, the role also extends beyond the walls of the warehouse.

As part of the dynamic airborne community of the CAF, you will often work in the field, mirroring real-world conditions for an immersive experience. Duties include submitting comprehensive reports on parachute data, drops, incidents, and investigations; conducting serviceability checks and repairs on personnel and aerial delivery equipment; and performing a parachute jump as part of the qualification process. Air Drop Systems Technicians support parachuting activities and airborne operations throughout Canada and the world.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. Postings (relocations) are possible, but accommodations cannot always be made, so you may need to move at some point in your career.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Air Drop Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre located at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. Initial trade training takes 23 weeks and includes the following topics:

• Expert packing and rigging of diverse parachute systems, including expendable parachute systems, extraction parachute systems, and light to heavy cargo parachute systems, primarily employed in Aerial Delivery.
• Packing of Round/Mass Drop personnel parachute systems and the more sophisticated Ram Air/Square parachute systems.
• Execution of both basic and advanced repairs and maintenance on parachute systems and associated airborne equipment.
• Completion of BASIC Parachutist training.
• Completion of Static Line Square Parachute Course

Air Drop Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Basic Para Instructor
• Jump Master
• Aerial Delivery
• First Aid Instructor
• Helicopter Underslung Load Operator
• Drop Zone/Landing Zone Controller
• Military Freefall Parachutist

As they progress, Air Drop Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Military Freefall Jump Master
• Military Freefall Para Instructor
• Tandem Master
• Master Rigger

Related Civilian Occupations

• Qualifications recognized by Canadian Sport Parachute Association
• Parachute Rigger Specialist
• Parachute Tandem Master
• Parachute Instructor