Imagery Technician

Overview

Imagery Technicians (Image Techs) in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are visual media specialists. They operate a wide range of imaging equipment and products, providing still and video coverage to support CAF training, operations, public affairs, investigations, and internal communications. Their main tasks include operating cameras, producing images and videos, performing quality control, and maintaining imaging equipment.

• Produce still and video imagery
• Use infrared, image intensified, and thermal imagery equipment
• Create various products utilizing imagery applications
• Download image data from sensors to ground facilities
• Catalogue, describe, store, and retrieve imagery
• Analyze, annotate, and enhance images
• Perform colour management on imagery systems
• Produce imagery products for public affairs, intelligence, and investigations
• Maintain an imagery database
• Test and evaluate new imaging equipment

Image Techs work with other military members across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces to document important events and help share the CAF story. They may work at bases in Canada, on ships, and aboard aircraft during exercises or operations, at home and abroad.

If you join the Regular Force, you will be assigned to a base after completing your training. Some flexibility in posting locations exists, although relocation preferences cannot always be accommodated.

If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will generally serve part‑time at a Reserve unit near your home, with opportunities for temporary full‑time employment if desired. Part‑time service usually consists of one evening per week and 1–2 weekends per month.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of provincial Grade 12 or Secondary V in Quebec. Ideal candidates will have a college diploma. The CAF will verify if your education already meets the job requirements, and there may be an opportunity to bypass basic occupational training and commence on‑the‑job training right after basic recruit training.

Education from other countries may also be accepted.

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 ensures recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard.

Following Basic Military Qualification training, Image Tech basic occupational training lasts roughly seven months at the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario. It covers the use of video and still cameras and lighting equipment; operating digital acquisition and processing equipment; basic graphic design; basic public affairs concepts; equipment maintenance; and image management.

Image Techs can develop specialized skills through additional courses and on‑the‑job training in areas such as photojournalism, advanced video production, multi‑media production techniques, continual public affairs training, underwater photography, aerial photography, and high‑speed photography and videography techniques.

You can work part‑time with the Primary Reserve at various locations throughout Canada, predominantly in support of the Air Force and to some extent the Navy, Army, and Special Forces. You can serve while attending school or working a civilian job, and you will be paid for all training. You will not be required to relocate, but you can volunteer for training exercises and operations within Canada or abroad.

Imagery Technicians may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, or the Royal Canadian Air Force, documenting events in the CAF's life and times with still or video imagery. On a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at military locations within Canada.

Reserve Force members receive similar training to Regular Force members, starting with Basic Military Qualification training at their home unit. Additional specialized training for Image Techs lasts about four months at the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario. Reserve members work up to 12 days per month and can serve full‑time for short periods as needed. They earn 92.8% of Regular Force pay rates, receive a benefits package, and may qualify for a pension plan.