Electrical Generation Systems Technician

Overview

As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Electrical Generation Systems Technicians provide electrical power generation support to operational units worldwide. The role is one of seven Construction Engineering occupations, supporting all construction, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering services for CAF operations.

• Install, operate, maintain, and repair mobile electrical generators and associated control equipment
• Install, operate, maintain, and repair power plant electrical generators and associated control equipment
• Install, operate, and maintain engine prime movers associated with equipment driven by Construction Engineers
• Install, operate, maintain, and repair Static Uninterruptable Power Systems and Rotary Uninterruptable Power Systems
• Overhaul electrical generation systems and equipment
• Produce designs and specifications
• Produce mechanical and electrical drawings
• Perform brazing, welding, and machining work

Technicians are members of the Air Force but may be assigned to work in Army or Navy environments as part of the Construction Engineering team. If chosen for the Regular Force, technicians are assigned to a base after completing required training and may relocate throughout their career. Reserve Force technicians typically serve one night per week and some weekends, with options for full‑time employment.

No previous work experience or career‑related skills are required. Minimum education is completion of Grade 10 (or Secondary 4 in Quebec) including Grade 10 applied math or Math 416/CST 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

The first stage is the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. Following this, technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick, for approximately 22 weeks of specialized training covering environmental skills, tools and test equipment, occupational regulations, drawing interpretation, physics, mechanical, electrical, and electronic principles, uninterruptible power systems, generators, control systems, prime movers, engine controllers, and brazing and welding techniques.

• Operation, maintenance, and repair of Uninterruptible Power Systems
• Electrical switch gear and Programmable Logic Controllers
• Relocatable temporary camp generator course

Part‑time employment is available for the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members typically serve evenings and weekends, may work while pursuing education or a civilian job, and can volunteer for deployment on military missions. They are paid during training and receive benefits similar to Regular Force members.