Traffic Technician

As a member of the military, Traffic Technicians plan, execute and manage the movement of all Canadian Armed Forces equipment and personnel. They use all modes of transport from any local, regional, national or international location in support of all Canadian Armed Forces Exercises and Operations. Traffic Technicians operate in teams in existing or fabricated supply chains.

• Prepare, process, record and account for all transportation documents and forms relating to cargo/equipment and personnel movements
• Plan, administer, execute and manage the loading and offloading of cargo/equipment, personnel and baggage from military and commercial road, rail, air and maritime transport vehicles
• Dangerous cargo processing
• Customs documentation and liaison
• Operate military vehicles and materiel handling equipment
• Process transportation contracts, invoices and maintain financial records

Traffic Technicians work in warehouses, offices, terminals, the field and flying squadrons in Canada and around the world in support to Canadian Armed Forces operations. They may be required to work shifts and be employed in both established and isolated locations with extreme climates and conditions.

• Direct Entry Options

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

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course (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 physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Traffic Technicians attend the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre in Borden, Ontario. The initial training lasts approximately 12 weeks and includes the following topics:

• Driver Training:
  Operation, maintenance and servicing of military vehicles and materiel handling equipment;
  Operation, maintenance and servicing of forklifts and other container movers
• Traffic Technicians Training:
  Cargo/equipment movement by road, rail, sea and air;
  Basic aircraft loading principles for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft;
  Rail load planning for vehicles;
  Customs and international movements requirements;
  Passenger processing;
  Transportation invoices and financial records;
  Process documentation applicable to cargo/equipment and personnel movement

Traffic Technicians are employed as Loadmasters on transport aircraft after acquiring core skills. The RCAF employs Loadmasters on aircraft including CC130H Hercules, CC130J Hercules, CC150 Airbus, CC177 Globe master, and CH147F Chinook. As they progress, advanced training may be offered, including:

• Dangerous cargo handling
• Helicopter Underslung Operations
• Ship Loading and Stowage
• Tactical Airlift Support
• CC177 Loading Specialist
• Aerial Delivery – Basic
• Airline Host Check-In System

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 an Air Force Wing 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 relocate, though they can volunteer to move to another base or be deployed on a mission.

This job is available within the Air Force and Army environments at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members can serve at an Air Force Wing, Navy Base, or an Army base in their community.

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training with their home unit and, after basic training, additional training for specialized skills is arranged. Training mirrors that described above for the Regular Force. Reserve members usually serve part-time with their home unit for evenings and weekends, and may also serve in full-time positions for fixed terms.

They are paid according to pay scales and may qualify for a pension plan.