Imagery Technician

Overview

Imagery Technicians (Image Techs) in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are visual media specialists. They operate a wide range of imaging equipment and products, providing still and video coverage to support CAF training, operations, public affairs, investigations, and internal communications. Their main tasks include operating cameras, producing images and videos, performing quality control, and maintaining imaging equipment.

• Produce still and video imagery;
• Use infrared, Image Intensified, and thermal imagery equipment;
• Create various products utilizing imagery applications;
• Download image data from sensors to ground facilities;
• Catalogue, describe, store, and retrieve imagery;
• Analyze, annotate, and enhance images;
• Perform colour management on imagery systems;
• Produce imagery products for public affairs, intelligence, and investigations;
• Maintain an imagery database;
• Test and evaluate new imaging equipment.

Image Techs work with other military members throughout the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces to document important events and to help share the CAF story. They may work at bases in Canada, in ships, and on board aircraft during exercises or operations, at home and abroad.

If you join the Regular Force, you will be assigned to a base after completing your training. There exists some flexibility in posting locations, however relocation preferences cannot always be accommodated.

If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will generally serve part-time at a Reserve unit near your home, with opportunities for temporary full-time employment if you desire. Part-time service usually consists of one evening per week and 1‑2 weekends per month.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 12 or Secondary V in Quebec.

Ideal candidates will have a college diploma. The CAF will verify if your education already meets the job requirements and there may be an opportunity to bypass basic occupational training and commence on‑the‑job training right after basic recruit training.

Education from other countries may also be accepted.

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 Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Following Basic Military Qualification training, Image Tech basic occupational training takes approximately seven months at the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario. This training covers:

• The use of video and still cameras and lighting equipment;
• Operating digital acquisition and processing equipment;
• Basic graphic design;
• Basic public affairs concepts;
• Equipment maintenance;
• Image management.

Image Techs have an opportunity to develop specialized skills through additional courses and on‑the‑job training in areas such as:

• Photojournalism;
• Advanced video production;
• Multi‑media production techniques;
• Continual public affairs training;
• Underwater photography;
• Aerial photography;
• High‑speed photography and videography techniques.

You can work part‑time with the Primary Reserve at various locations throughout Canada, predominantly in support of the Air Force, and to some extent, the Navy, Army and Special Forces. You can serve while attending school or working a civilian job, and you will be paid for all training. You will not be required to relocate, but you can volunteer for training exercises and operations within Canada or abroad.

Imagery Technicians may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force. They are employed documenting events in the life and times of the CAF, with still or video imagery. When employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at military locations within Canada.

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Reserve Force members receive the similar training as Regular Force members, starting with Basic Military Qualification training at their home unit. Additional specialized training for Image Techs lasts approximately four months at the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario.

Reserve members work up to 12 days per month and can serve full‑time for short periods as needed. They earn 92.8% of Regular Force pay rates, receive a benefits package, and may qualify for a pension plan.

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