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What They Do
Electrical Generating Systems Technicians provides electrical power generation support to operational units.
The Electrical Generating Systems Technician is one of the seven Construction Engineering occupations involved in the supply of all construction, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering services in support of Canadian Forces operations worldwide.The primary responsibilities of the Electrical Generating Systems Technicians are to:
- Install, operate, maintain and repair mobile electrical generators and associated control equipment
- Install, operate, maintain and repair power plant electrical generators and associated control equipment
- Install, operate and maintain engine prime movers associated with equipment driven by Construction Engineers
- Install, operate, maintain and repair Static Uninterruptable Power Systems and Rotary Uninterruptable Power Systems
- Overhaul electrical generation systems and equipment
- Produce designs and specifications
- Produce mechanical and electrical drawings
- Perform brazing/welding and machining work
Career Development
The starting salary of a fully-trained Electrical Generating Systems Technician is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. They are initially posted to a Construction Engineering team in a location within Canada. Electrical Generating Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training. Electrical Generating Systems Technicians with the required qualifications and attain the rank of Sergeant would be eligible to train as a Construction Engineering Superintendent.
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 Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Electrical Generating Systems Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Training takes approximately 22 weeks and includes:
- Environmental skills such as defensive tactics and firearms
- Care and use of common and special purpose tools and test equipment
- Application of occupational codes and regulations
- Interpretation of drawing and schematics
- Physics, mechanical, electrical and electronic principles
- Uninterruptable power systems
- Mobile and fixed electrical generators
- Electrical generation control and monitoring systems
- Prime movers (engines)
- Engine controllers
- Brazing and welding techniques
Electrical Generating Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Operation, maintenance and repair of Uninterruptable power systems
- Electrical switchgear and Programmable logic controllers
- Relocatable temporary camp generator course
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
* This occupation is available part-time only within the Air 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 with a military unit 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.
Electrical Generating Systems Technicians may serve with the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force. They are employed to provide electrical power generation support for Canadian Armed Forces training and operations. Those employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis usually serve at a military base, wing or unit located within Canada.
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, occupational training for Electrical Generating Systems Technicians takes approximately 22 weeks and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, New Brunswick.
Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends (Air Reserve Electrical Generating Systems Technicians usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day), 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 85% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.
Find a unit in your area and start the application process for part-time employment now.
