Naval Warfare Officer

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national defense organization seeks Naval Warfare Officers to manage maritime operations and direct naval strategy. Candidates will undergo comprehensive training at various facilities across Canada, focusing on leadership skills and practical applications at sea. This role offers both full-time and part-time options, requiring strong decision-making abilities and expertise in maritime operations. Ideal candidates will have a university degree to expedite training and meet the physical fitness requirements necessary for this challenging position.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Pension plan eligibility

Qualifications

• Must complete basic officer training and military officer qualification.
• University degree may accelerate on-the-job training entry.
• Physical fitness is crucial for training and operations.

Responsibilities

• Command maritime military operations.
• Lead and make decisions impacting operations and crew safety.
• Conduct training, administrative duties, and develop maritime strategy.

Skills

Command and control

Maritime operations expertise

Decision making

Job description

Overview

As a member of the military, Naval Warfare Officers manage and direct the maritime strategy, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines and aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems. Naval Warfare Officers provide input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships, their systems, and administrative duties and are the only officers who can have command of the Navy’s ships and submarines. Their primary responsibilities are to:

• Command, control and coordinate maritime military operations
• Lead and make decisions that will affect the general conduct of operations and ship’s crew security
• Provide expertise in a wide range of activities relating to the exercise of sea power
• Direct and conduct strategies, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines, aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems
• Provide input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems
• Perform staff, training and administrative duties

Work environment

Naval Warfare Officers have two distinct working environments: at sea and ashore. As with all seagoing personnel, Naval Warfare Officers experience the unique challenges and adventures that come with work at sea. When ashore, Naval Warfare Officers work a standard work day in an office environment.

Note: Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface Officer has been renamed to Naval Warfare Officer.

Career Path

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore you can expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Training

After enrolment you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete depending on your ability in your second language.

Naval Warfare Officers attend the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for 12 months of training for their specific responsibilities. The training consists of classroom instruction, simulators, and practical training at sea, in order to gain expertise and hands‑on experience in navigation, bridgemanship, communications, relative motion, ship safety, emergency procedures, seamanship and Rules of the Road.

Upon successful completion of this formal training you will be posted to your first operational ship where, in approximately 24 months, you will complete at‑sea requirements and on‑the‑job training leading to a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and Naval Warfare Officer Professional Qualification.

After six months of practical application of your professional training you will specialise for four to six months in any of the following areas:

• Ship navigation
• Above or underwater weapons direction
• Management of information and communication systems
• Submarine service
• Clearance diving

Part‑time options

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a Naval Reserve Division in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Naval Warfare Officers serve with the Royal Canadian Navy. They are employed to lead and direct the operation of ships and patrol vessels and their associated systems. They may also advise on the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems and perform staff, training and administrative duties. When they are employed part‑time they usually serve in a Naval Reserve Division in their home city, and while on a casual full‑time basis they usually serve in a Royal Canadian Navy home port location within Canada.

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic officer training, Naval Warfare Officers attend the Naval Officer Training Centre in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for 12 months of training for their specific responsibilities. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full‑time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Related careers

• Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer
• Marine Systems Engineering Officer
• Air Combat Systems Officer

Priority Application Processing

Priority Application Processing