Line Technician

Overview

As a Line Technician in the military, you will be responsible for delivering rapid, dependable wired communication infrastructure and supporting wireless systems using advanced cable distribution technologies. You will join a broader team that ensures the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have effective communication and information services across Canada and internationally.

Key Duties

• Install, remove, maintain, and repair cutting-edge communications infrastructure including structured interior cabling systems containing copper and fibre optic cables.
• Integrate radio, satellite, and microwave broadband devices with wired networks.
• Work with communications towers, antennas, and associated support infrastructure on buildings and military bases.

Work Environment

Line Technicians primarily work outdoors, undertaking unique challenges such as working at heights and in confined spaces for long times. They must adhere strictly to safety procedures. Assignments can be anywhere the CAF operates domestically and globally.

Career and Posting Information

For Regular Force members, after completing training, you will be posted to a base. Relocations during your career are likely, though not always flexible. For Primary Reserve members, you serve part-time in a Reserve unit near your community, typically one evening a week plus some weekends, without mandatory relocation, but with options for full-time work or deployments.

Entry Requirements

• No prior experience or career-related skills necessary; recruiters will assist in assessing suitability.
• Minimum education: completion of Grade 10 (Secondary 4 in Quebec), including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416 in Quebec.
• Foreign educational credentials may be considered.

Training

Initial training includes Basic Military Qualification (Basic Training) at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, focusing on core military skills and physical fitness.

Occupational training as a Line Technician occurs at the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario, lasting around 20 weeks. This includes learning:

• Procedures and regulations for working aloft, in confined spaces, and in rescue operations.
• Installation and maintenance of interior, exterior, and tactical strategic cable systems and cable support infrastructure.

Advanced specialized training opportunities include:

• Complex antenna systems
• Specialized rescue techniques (e.g., telephone pole and confined spaces)
• Advanced rigging
• Special purpose vehicle operation
• Information technology

Further career development courses may cover communications and information systems management, telecommunications design, CAD software, complex antenna system installation and maintenance, plus leadership and management skills.

Part-Time Opportunities

The Primary Reserve offers part-time employment with local military units, allowing members to balance civilian education or jobs. Reserve Line Technicians provide vital communications support to military units and may serve evenings and weekends locally, with options for full-time temporary roles. Pay is approximately 92.8% of Regular Force rates, along with benefits and pension contributions.

Related Careers

• Combat Engineer
• Electrical Generation Systems Technician
• Signal Operator