Traffic Technician

Overview

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.
• Process dangerous cargo.
• Prepare customs documentation and liaise with authorities.
• 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 of 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.

Regular Force personnel complete required training and are then assigned to a base; relocations may occur throughout their career. Primary Reserve members train through a specific reserve unit and work on a part‑time basis, typically one night per week and some weekends, with optional full‑time positions.

The minimum required education is completion of Grade 10 (or Grade 12 in Quebec). Foreign education may be accepted.

The first stage is the Basic Military Qualification course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.

Subsequent training occurs at the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, lasting approximately 12 weeks and covering:

• Driver training – operation, maintenance of military vehicles, materiel handling equipment, forklifts, and container movers.
• Traffic Technician training – cargo/equipment movement by road, rail, sea and air, basic aircraft loading principles, rail load planning, customs and international movement requirements, passenger processing, transportation invoices, financial records, and documentation procedures.

After completing training, Traffic Technicians may serve as Loadmasters on transport aircraft, including CC130H, CC130J, CC150, CC177, and CH147F. Advanced courses available include dangerous cargo handling, helicopter underslung operations, ship loading and stowage, tactical airlift support, CC177 loading specialist, aerial delivery, and airline host check‑in systems.

The position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members are paid during training, are not posted or required to move, but may volunteer to relocate or deploy on missions.

Reserve Force members receive 92.8% of Regular Force rates, a reasonable benefits package, and may qualify for a pension plan.