Overview

As a member of the military, Drafting and Survey Technicians (DS Tech) provide both deployed and domestic drafting and survey support to the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments anywhere in the world.

Drafting and Survey Technicians belong to the Military Engineering Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. Their primary responsibilities are:

• Collect geodetic survey data using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and other survey equipment
• Use data to produce digital and hard copy civil and site drawings, and designs of specific areas
• Use computer aided design (CAD) software to produce digital and hard copy designs
• Provide survey and drawing support to military specialist engineering teams
  
  
  

Work environment


Drafting and Survey Technicians are members of the Royal Canadian Air Force. They may be called upon to support all CAF exercises and operations, including those lead by the Royal Canadian Navy. The primary work environment is in an office, however fieldwork is a large component of the job and is conducted in approved weather conditions, 24/7, on bases, wings or in operational theatres. Drafting and Survey Technicians use high-tech computer workstations and software designed for drafting and survey applications. Drafting and Survey Technicians are employed in Kingston, ON and Gagetown, NB. As you progress in your career, you may also have the opportunity to be posted to Brussels, Belgium.

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.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
  
  

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 11 high school, Secondary 5 in Quebec or equivalent secondary school education, including: Grade 11 applied math, or Secondary 5 applied math in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

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 Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Drafting and Survey Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Oromocto, New Brunswick. You will receive instruction from civilian and military instructors on the following topics:

• Planning and conducting land surveys
• Mathematics related to survey
• Data and material management
• Auto CAD software
• Producing Civil designs
• Producing building systems designs
• Performing construction stakeouts
• Producing as-Built drawings
• Construction Engineering common tasks and safety
  
  

Drafting and Survey Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Geodetic terrestrial survey training
• Advanced geodetic applications
• Specialized design software
  
  

Part time options

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 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.

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.

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 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Related Careers

Geomatics Technician

Accelerated Pay Increment

Engineer Officer

Construction Technician