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What They Do
Imagery Technicians are visual media specialists and are responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of a wide variety of imaging equipment and products. They provide both still and video coverage of the Canadian Forces in support of operations, public affairs and internal communications.
Imagery Technicians operate still and video cameras; produce prints and video and multi-media products; perform quality control of products; and maintain imaging equipment. The primary responsibilities of the Imagery Technician are to:
- Produce still and video images
- Use Infrared, Image Intensified, and thermal imagery equipment
- Produce imagery using 3D animation
- Download image data from imaging sensors to ground processing facilities
- Process and duplicate aerial film
- Catalogue, describe, store and retrieve imagery
- Analyse, annotate and enhance imagery
- Perform colour management on imagery systems
- Produce imagery products
- Maintain an imagery database
- Test and evaluate new imaging equipment
Working Environment
Imagery Technicians work along side other Canadian Forces members, in the Army, Navy and Air Force to document the important events in the life and times of the Canadian Forces. They may work at any base in Canada, on ships at sea, and overseas as part of United Nations and NATO missions.
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Imagery Technician is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher.
Initially, Imagery Technicians are posted to an Imaging Section in Canada. As Image Technicians in their career, they will continue to receive the appropriate training for their new area of employment, as well as leadership and other skills development courses.
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.
Imagery Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 4 months and includes:
- Basic electricity and electronics
- Use of video and still cameras, and appropriate lighting equipment
- Processing of colour prints using automated equipment
- Operation of digital acquisition and processing equipment
- Equipment maintenance
- Image Management
Imagery Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Photojournalism
- Advanced Video Production
- Multi-Media Production Techniques
- Underwater Photography
- High-speed Photography and Videography Techniques
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.
If you already have a college diploma, the Canadian Forces will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training are required before being assigned.
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.
