Ready to Lead? DND Is Seeking the Next Generation of Platoon Chiefs

Ready to Lead? DND Is Seeking the Next Generation of Platoon Chiefs

National Defence

• Canadian Army

Closing date

November 1, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

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Reference number

DND26J-187056-000088

Selection process number

26-DND-EA-CA-562912

Location

Edmonton (Alberta),

Suffield (Alberta),

Wainwright (Alberta),

Shilo (Manitoba),

Gagetown (New Brunswick),

Borden (Ontario),

Petawawa (Ontario),

Valcartier (Québec),

Dundurn (Saskatchewan)

Salary

Level

FR-03

Who can apply

Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.

Organization information

For further information on the organization, please visit

National Defence .

On this page

About the position

Conditions of employment

Operational Requirements

You need (essential for the job)

Language requirements (essential for the job)

You may need (asset qualifications)

Our commitment

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Preference

How to apply

Additional links

Hiring organization contact

About the position

Duties

The Platoon Chief (FR-03) provides command and control at emergency incidents until relieved by a higher authority, directing firefighting, hazardous materials response, medical emergencies, technical rescues, water rescues, vehicle and aircraft extractions, and marine emergencies. When relieved, the incumbent assumes responsibility for a designated sector or operational function.

The position supervises and participates in emergency response operations and standby fire protection services for high-risk activities, including welding, roofing, aircraft and ship fuelling operations, ammunition transfers, demolitions, live-fire exercises, and air operations.

The Platoon Chief is responsible for training and developing firefighters in areas such as fire suppression, rescue techniques, first aid, hazardous materials response, nuclear/radiological incidents, shipboard firefighting, ammunition and explosives incidents, and wildland fire operations.

The role also oversees the inspection, testing, maintenance, and operational readiness of fire protection systems, alarm and evacuation systems, emergency vehicles, and specialized firefighting and rescue equipment. This includes operating and maintaining emergency vehicles and technical equipment such as breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, extinguishers, generators, rescue tools, and related systems.

In addition, the Platoon Chief may operate emergency communications and dispatch systems, including 911 call-taking and emergency dispatch services, while supporting various base services during non-peak hours. The position contributes to public education programs on fire prevention, firefighting, and first aid.

The incumbent uses computer systems and administrative processes to maintain incident records, manage fire and emergency services documentation, support procurement activities, administer leave and overtime records, and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

Work environment

The Department of National Defence (DND) is one of the largest federal government employers, offering over 70 types of civilian career opportunities. DND's role is to provide services and support to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their operations and missions at home and abroad. The civilian workforce is an essential part of the Defence Team. Your knowledge and expertise contribute to the overall mission. In this regard, the department fosters a work environment where you have opportunities to learn, to develop your talents, to progress in your career and have job satisfaction over the long-term.

The position works at a Base, Wing or Detachment and reports to a more senior Firefighter (FR) or military position. The technical subject matter knowledge for this position is gained through established occupational courses through a recognized/approved learning institution.

Additional courses for Base, Wing, or Detachment specific needs or re-certification of recognized industry certificates along with frequent refresher training are also required to maintain theoretical knowledge and practical skill levels.

Note: This position requires shift-work, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill current and future vacancies for Platoon Chief positions within the Department of National Defence.

A pool of partially or essentially qualified candidates will be established through this process and may be used to staff identical or similar positions, in different locations, with various employment tenures (temporary or permanent), language profiles, security requirements, and conditions of employment at the Department of National Defence.

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process.

If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Step 1: Read the entire advertisement. Want to join our team? Let us know you’re interested! Click “Apply Online”

Step 2: Tell us about yourself! Attach your resume and answer the screening questions in the online application.

Step 3: We will carefully review all your qualifications. If your talent matches the requirements, we may contact you for further information or assessment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Once you have submitted your application, please forward the above certificates to FRStaffing-DotationFR@forces.gc.ca, ensuring they are received no later than Nov 1, 2026.

Candidates may participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Applications must be submitted online through GC Jobs. If special circumstances prevent online submission, you must contact us and receive authorization to apply by alternate means before the closing date.

Applicants must provide a valid and functional email address that accepts messages from unknown senders.

Select only locations where you are genuinely willing and able to work. By applying, you confirm that you currently reside in, or are willing to relocate to, the locations selected.

Depending on the position being staffed

• Additional qualifications, operational requirements, or conditions of employment may apply.
• Different levels of experience may be required.
• Asset qualifications may be identified as essential.
• Candidates may be asked to provide additional information or complete further assessments.

ASSESSMENT AND CONDUCT

Information obtained throughout the selection process, including application materials and communications, may be used to assess qualifications and competencies.

To ensure the integrity of the process, assessment content must remain confidential. Candidates must complete all assessments independently and may not use unauthorized assistance, including artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms). Suspected violations, plagiarism, or unauthorized assistance may be investigated and may result in elimination from the process.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate conduct consistent with the Department of National Defence and public service Values and Ethics Codes. Failure to do so at any stage of the process may result in removal from further consideration.

APPOINTMENT DECISIONS

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following:

• Alignment of an individual's experience and qualifications with the position and work team;
• Depth, breadth, and type of relevant experience;
• Demonstrated competencies and qualifications;
• Organizational needs.

Conditions of employment CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Security Clearance Level: Reliability / Secret
• Strict adherence to the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, Directive on Conflict of