As a Director of Plumbing, you lead and manage plumbing operations and teams across Department of National Defence facilities and installations. You are responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all plumbing maintenance, repair, and installation projects to ensure facilities meet operational requirements and safety standards. This role combines technical expertise with strategic management, requiring you to balance budgets, schedules, and personnel while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and compliance with building codes and regulations.
Your responsibilities include supervising plumbing technicians and tradespeople, developing work plans and schedules, managing project budgets, and ensuring all work meets DND specifications and federal safety requirements. You coordinate with other trades, facilities management teams, and external contractors to deliver integrated solutions for complex plumbing systems in military and support facilities. You also mentor staff, identify training needs, and contribute to continuous improvement in plumbing service delivery across your portfolio of facilities.
You work in a dynamic environment managing both routine maintenance and emergency repairs in diverse facility types, from administrative buildings to specialized military infrastructure. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, technical knowledge of plumbing systems, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and locations within the DND.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of plumbing services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the plumbing team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a recognized apprenticeship in plumbing or equivalent practical experience, often requiring 4,000+ hours of hands-on work. Many candidates hold a journeyperson plumbing certification or equivalent credential recognized by provincial or territorial trade authorities. Post-secondary education in construction management, facilities management, or related fields is highly valued and may substitute for some experience requirements.
Professional development is supported through DND training programs covering leadership, project management, budget administration, and emerging building technologies. You are encouraged to maintain current knowledge of plumbing codes, building standards, and safety regulations through continuing education. The Public Service also offers management and supervisory training to help you develop your leadership capabilities and advance your career within the federal government.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through public service job competitions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You may enter through several pathways: lateral movement from a Senior Plumbing position within DND or other federal departments, promotion from within the plumbing trades if you have demonstrated management experience, or direct competition if you bring equivalent private sector management and plumbing expertise.
DND periodically posts competitions for director-level positions in trades and facilities management. Applicants are evaluated on technical qualifications, supervisory experience, knowledge of federal procurement and budget processes, and leadership capabilities. Some candidates transition from private sector construction or facilities management roles. Student internship and apprenticeship programs within DND can also provide pathways to permanent employment in plumbing trades, from which you may advance to management levels over time.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in plumbing are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory and management responsibilities involved. However, the federal Public Service is committed to flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Depending on the specific facility and DND requirements, some flexibility may exist for compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules, though on-call availability for emergency facility issues may be required.
Remote work options are limited for this role, as your presence is needed to oversee teams, inspect work, and manage facility operations. However, administrative and planning aspects of the role may be performed remotely on a case-by-case basis. Work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible scheduling and leave options, are available to all federal employees. Discuss specific flexibility arrangements with the hiring manager, as accommodations depend on operational needs and facility locations.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
