As a Foreman/woman - Plumbers, you will lead and supervise a team of plumbers and apprentices in the delivery of plumbing services across Department of National Defence (DND) facilities and installations. You will be responsible for planning work schedules, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex piping systems, water supply networks, and drainage systems. Your technical expertise combined with leadership skills will be essential in managing projects that support critical military operations and infrastructure. You will work in a dynamic environment that includes military bases, training facilities, and support installations across Canada and potentially internationally. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage both technical challenges and personnel effectively. You will report to a senior supervisor or manager and coordinate with other trades and departments to ensure seamless project completion and facility operations.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily plumbing operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Trade-specific technical skills, Equipment operation, Safety procedures, Blueprint reading, Physical dexterity, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need to have completed a recognized apprenticeship in plumbing and obtained your Interprovincial Red Seal Plumber certification or equivalent provincial certification. Many candidates enter this role with 5-10 years of experience as a qualified plumber, including demonstrated supervisory experience on job sites. You should have strong knowledge of plumbing codes, safety regulations (including National Building Code and provincial plumbing standards), blueprint reading, and project management principles. Professional development opportunities within DND include supervisory skills training, advanced project management courses, safety certifications (such as Working at Heights or Confined Space Entry), and continuing education in emerging plumbing technologies and sustainable building systems. The DND also supports employees pursuing additional technical qualifications and management certifications relevant to the trades.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through a public competition process advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet the minimum qualifications established by the Treasury Board Job Architecture. Some competitions may be open to internal candidates within the federal Public Service, while others are open to the public. Lateral moves from other federal departments or agencies with equivalent plumbing supervisory experience are also possible. Apprentices and journey-level plumbers working within DND may have opportunities to advance into foreman/woman positions through internal development programs and promotional competitions. The DND may also use staffing pools to fill multiple similar positions across different locations. Veterans and Indigenous peoples may have access to targeted recruitment initiatives. All candidates must be willing to undergo a security clearance process appropriate to the position.
Part-Time Options
Full-time permanent positions are the standard for Foreman/woman - Plumbers roles within DND, as the supervisory nature of the work and responsibility for team management typically require consistent, on-site presence. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated depending on operational requirements and facility needs. Some administrative or planning components of the role could potentially be performed remotely, though the majority of work involves on-site supervision of plumbing teams and direct oversight of maintenance and installation activities. Part-time opportunities are limited for this supervisory classification, as continuous leadership and coordination are essential. Shift work may be required, including after-hours emergency response for critical plumbing issues at military installations. Interested candidates should discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process or with their hiring manager once employed, as accommodations are made where operationally feasible.
