Weapons Technician – Land

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A national military organization is seeking Weapons Technicians to maintain and repair weapons and related systems. This role requires no prior experience, with training provided. Candidates must complete Grade 10 education. Opportunities include full-time and part-time positions, primarily serving in Canada. The position offers unique challenges in diverse environments, with on-the-job training and advanced courses for skills development.

Benefits

Paid training

Opportunity for specialized skills development

Pension plan eligibility for Reserve Force members

Qualifications

• No previous work experience is required.
• Completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10 is essential.
• Foreign education may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair weapons and weapons systems.
• Conduct training and operations with military equipment.
• Participate in on-the-job training that resembles civilian apprenticeships.

Skills

Care and use of common tools

Operation and principles of weapon systems

Basic soldiering skills

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4

Tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Overview

As a member of the military, Weapons Technicians maintain and repair weapons, weapons systems and ancillary equipment for training and operations. They belong to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of miscellaneous equipment such as scales, hydraulic lifts, locks and security containers, personal flotation devices, rebreathers and equipment for heating, cooking and lighting in the field.

Work environment

Weapons Technicians are employed at bases and stations across Canada and on deployed operations worldwide. They experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working in different environments. On a base they work in small workshop spaces; in the field or on deployment they work outdoors most of the time or in temporary accommodations. After completing all required training they are assigned to a first base. While the Regular Force has some flexibility with postings and relocations, a Primary Reserve member works part‑time at a specific Reserve unit and does not have to relocate.

• Rifles, submachine‑guns and handguns
• Machine‑guns and non‑guided anti‑tank weapons
• Sub‑calibre adapters
• Training devices, including simulators
• Grenade projectors, mortars and launcher systems
• Light weapons and turret systems for armoured fighting vehicles

Entry plans

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.

• Direct Entry Options

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416/CST 4 in Quebec, and Grade 10 Science or equivalent. 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 and establishes the CAF physical fitness standard. Weapons Technicians attend the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers School in Borden, Ontario for 35 weeks. Through a combination of instruction, demonstrations and practical work they learn the following subjects:

• Care and use of common and special tools and electrical test equipment
• Operation and principles of weapon systems
• Electricity and hydraulics
• Use of firearms, pyrotechnics and grenades
• Maintenance of small arms, mortars, recoilless rifles, towed field guns, and turret systems for armoured fighting vehicles
• Basic identification and handling of ammunition
• Alignment of sighting devices
• Test‑firing weapons
• Knowledge of various ancillary equipment
• Basic soldiering skills, including field craft, rescue techniques and first aid
• Operation of light armoured vehicles, armoured reconnaissance vehicles and armoured personnel carriers

On-the-job training

Weapons Technicians are posted to a unit on a CAF base for about 18 months of on‑job training that resembles a civilian apprenticeship program. They may be offered the opportunity to develop specialised skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training. Advanced training courses are available, including courses that take about 15 weeks for supervisor level and about 9 weeks for manager level.

• High security containers and locking devices
• Leopard tank
• GIAT light towed Howitzer
• M777 medium lightweight towed Howitzer

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 military unit in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during training and are not posted or required to move; however, they can volunteer to move to another base or to deploy on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force

Weapons Technicians serve with the Canadian Army. They are employed maintaining and repairing weapons, weapons systems, and related equipment for military training and operations. When employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at a military location within Canada. Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts, receive reasonable benefits and may qualify for a pension plan.