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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 position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. 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.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
