Video
On the Job
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.
Related Civilian Occupations
- Contract Administrator
- Purchasing Officer
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Material Manager
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
Entry Plans
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.
Part-time Option
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.