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.
The primary responsibilities of Materiel Management Technicians are to:
- 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 recordkeeping, stocktaking 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. Materiel Management Technicians on board a ship experience the unique challenges that come with living and working at sea. They are also called upon to stand duty watches, perform ship's husbandry duties and other related tasks. Materiel Management Technicians working with the Army participate in operations and training with combat teams, including such duties as driving and maintaining vehicles. Those assigned to support the Royal Canadian Air Force may be deployed to remote locations on short notice.
If you chose 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 (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.
Training
Basic Military Qualification
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.
Learn more about Basic Training here.
Basic Occupational Qualification Training
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
Available Specialty Training
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
Available Advanced Training
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
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.
Part time options
Serve with the Reserve Force
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. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Part Time Employment
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.
Reserve Force Training
Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, the home unit will arrange for additional training for specialized skills. Training for Materiel Management Technicians takes about 70 days and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Ontario.
Reserve Working Environment
Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.
