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What They Do
Supply Technicians ensure that all of the supplies and services necessary for Canadian Forces 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 Supply 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 tonnes 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
Working Environment
Supply Technicians may work in Canada or are deployed abroad, in support of Royal Canadian Navy, Army or Royal Canadian Air Force operations. Supply 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. Supply 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.
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Supply Technician is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Supply Technicians who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.
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.
Supply Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 70 days and covers the following topics within the Canadian Forces Supply System:
- Inventory control, stocktaking and accounting procedures
- Requesting, receiving, issuing and warehousing materiel
- Handling and accounting for petroleum, oils and lubricants
- Handling and accounting for rations
- Accounting for ammunition
- Materiel and services procurement
- Processing of materiel for repair and disposal
- Financial management procedures
- Budget management
- Supply operations
- Materiel identification
- Preparation of requisitions
- Warehouse stock location system
- Use of materiel handling aids
- Military correspondence
- Processing issues and receipts
- Computer operation and maintenance
- Loan procedures
- Preservation and packaging of materiel
- Serially numbered materiel control and accounting
- Supply-related administrative and support functions
Supply Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Instructional Techniques
- Parachute Packer/Rigger
- Control of Hazardous Material
- Hazardous Material Packaging
- Storage and Packaging
- Special Packaging
As they progress in their career, Supply 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
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 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.
Supply 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. Supply Technicians employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis usually serve at a Canadian Armed Forces location 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, the home unit will arrange for additional training for specialized skills. Training for Supply Technicians takes about 70 days and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Ontario.
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 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.
