Water, Fuels and Environment Technician

Canadian Armed Forces; Winnipeg, Gagetown; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Armed Forces is seeking Water, Fuels and Environment Technicians for both full-time and part-time roles. In this critical position, technicians ensure the safe supply, treatment, and management of water resources for military operations at home and abroad. Candidates will engage in hands-on environmental assessments, system maintenance, and potentially hazardous material response. This is an opportunity to grow skills in a demanding yet rewarding environment, providing crucial support to the armed forces.

Benefits

Signing Bonus

Benefits and Pension Eligibility

Qualifications

• Complete training in water treatment and environmental engineering.
• No prior work experience is required, but relevant skills are beneficial.
• Mathematical and chemistry skills are necessary for the role.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Conduct reconnaissance related to water supply and environmental programs.
• Assist in hazmat spill cleanup and ensure environmental compliance.

Skills

Water Treatment

Wastewater Treatment

Environmental Assessment

Mechanical Design

Mathematics

Chemistry

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4

Tools

Wastewater Treatment Equipment

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit

Job description

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

In Demand

As a member of the military, Water, Fuels and Environment Technicians provide water supply, waste water treatment, and environmental engineering support to operational units at home and abroad.

This occupation is currently offering a Signing Bonus to applicants joining the Regular Force (Full-Time) who meet certain criteria. Conditions apply. Click here for more information.

The Water, Fuels and Environment Technician job is one of seven Construction Engineering positions that provide all construction, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering services to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations. The primary responsibilities of the Water, Fuels and Environment Technician are to:

• Install, operate, and maintain water treatment and supply systems
• Install, operate, and maintain waste water collection and treatment systems
• Set up and monitor various environmental programs
• Produce associated mechanical designs and specifications
• Produce associated mechanical drawings
• Conduct reconnaissance related to the above
• Assist other Construction Engineering tradespersons

Work environment

Water, Fuels and Environment Technicians often work day or night shifts and must deal with the challenges that come with varying environmental conditions. They maintain their skills while employed at home units or on humanitarian and United Nations operational assignments.

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, so you can likely 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 Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate. 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.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: I’m Master Corporal Cara Stangby from Frosty Hollow, New Brunswick. I'm a Water, Fuel and Environment Technician currently posted to 17 Wing Winnipeg.

Water, Fuels and Environment Technicians, or WFE Techs, are entrusted with a vital role in the Canadian Armed Forces – ensuring that Canadian soldiers, sailors, and air crews are provided with clean, safe water on bases in Canada and abroad.

WFE Techs also manage contaminated water, such as wastewater from showers and toilets, ensuring it is safely processed back into the environment. They work on various environmental concerns on bases domestically and internationally, including environment sampling and component testing to ensure compliance. They are also involved in hazmat spill cleanup, from simple fuel spills to chemical emergencies.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: Every day is different. There’s a broad scope of responsibilities, so you’re constantly learning and doing new things.

In the fuels aspect of their trade, WFE Techs manage tank farms where fuel is stored. Whether aviation, gas, diesel, or naval fuel, they ensure delivery and storage systems are safe, clean, and dry.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: Environmental work is growing, especially here in Canada and abroad. We conduct environmental assessments before exercises or overseas camps, and perform closeout assessments to ensure the environment is preserved or improved after our activities.

WFE Techs are also part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) based at CFB Gagetown. They operate the portable Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU), a critical tool during deployments.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: I really love my career. Every day is different, and I enjoy working with water and wastewater systems, fixing pumps, and troubleshooting. It’s always busy, and I like that.

After completing military and trade training, WFE Techs are posted to an Air Force, Army, or Navy base for two years of on-the-job training, covering all trade aspects, including work at water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, hazmat spill cleanup, and environmental testing. The training is comprehensive and requires strong skills in mathematics, chemistry, and lab work.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: The training elevates your skills from high school level to an apprentice, then to a journeyman, preparing you for supervisory roles.

Master Corporal Cara Stangby: I love my career. It provides for my family and supports my lifestyle and dreams. I get to travel, have a stable job, and be part of a military family.

Related Civilian Occupations

• Environmental Assessor

Training

The initial training is the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This physically demanding course teaches core skills and knowledge common to all trades, including maintaining physical fitness.

Specialized skills can be developed through formal courses and on-the-job training, such as:

• Wastewater plant technician
• Environmental assessor
• Certified engineering technician (mechanical)

No prior work experience is required. Recruiters will help determine if your interests and attributes match this occupation.

The minimum education requirement is completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Math 416 / CST 4. Foreign education may be accepted.

Part-time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve across Canada. Reserve members serve part-time in their community, often while studying or working civilian jobs, and are paid during training. They are not obligated to relocate but can volunteer to do so or deploy internationally.

Reserve members are trained to the same standards as Regular Force members. Training lasts about 21 weeks at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick. They serve evenings and weekends, earning approximately 92.8% of Regular Force pay, with benefits and pension eligibility.