Materiel Management Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Materiel Management Technicians ensure that all of the supplies and services necessary for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations are available when and where they are required. They handle a variety of items such as food, fuel, heavy machinery, spare parts, stationery and clothing.

• Manage the purchasing, warehousing, shipping, receiving, stock control and disposal of obsolete stock and equipment
• Receive, handle and prepare items for shipment
• Operate military vehicles weighing up to 10 tons and materials‑handling equipment such as forklifts
• Process invoices and prepare shipping documents
• Order material from internal and external sources and purchase supplies
• Deliver supplies and provide services to operational units
• Perform record‑keeping, stock‑taking and inventory control
• Maintain accounting and financial records
• Process and coordinate repair and disposal functions

Materiel Management Technicians may work in Canada or are deployed abroad, in support of Royal Canadian Navy, Army or Royal Canadian Air Force operations. On board a ship they experience the unique challenges of living and working at sea, and are called upon to stand duty watches, perform ship’s husbandry duties and other related tasks. When working with the Army they participate in operations and training with combat teams, including driving and maintaining vehicles, and when supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force they may be deployed to remote locations on short notice.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings, accommodations can’t always be made, so you can expect to move at some point. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit and work on a part‑time basis, not obligated to relocate.

As part of the Primary Reserve you typically work one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities for full‑time employment.

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.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation 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, 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. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Materiel Management Technicians attend the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 70 days at the apprentice level and covers the following topics within the CAF supply system:

• Action customer inquiries
• Requesting, receiving, issuing and warehousing material
• Processing of material for repair and disposal
• Use of material handling aids
• Processing issues and receipts
• Preservation and packaging of material
• Supply‑related administrative and support functions
• Process clothing, footwear for issues, returns or exchanges

Materiel Management Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:

• Instructional Techniques
• Control of Hazardous Material
• Hazardous Material Packaging

As they progress in their career, Materiel Management Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Military Contracts
• Internal Audit Procedures
• Personnel Management
• Material Management
• Budget Management
• Business Planning Process

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 do a military move, but can volunteer to move to another base or to be deployed on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Materiel Management Technicians may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army or Royal Canadian Air Force, ensuring that necessary supplies are available for military training and operations. Materiel Management Technicians employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis usually serve at a CAF location within Canada.

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