Naval Electronic Sensor Operator

Overview

As a member of the military, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators operate the radar and radio detection devices, radar jamming systems and decoys, and gun/missile-firing equipment carried on major naval warships.

As members of the ship’s Combat Team, they detect, locate and identify friendly and enemy submarines, ships and aircraft. They also support the defence of their ship from all threats. The primary responsibilities of the Naval Electronic Sensor Operator are to:

• Locate and identify unknown radars
• Listen to communications from other submarines, ships, aircraft and shore bases
• Operate gun and missile-firing equipment used to defend the ship
• Conduct intelligence and evidence gathering

Work environment

At sea, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators work mostly within the ship’s Operations Room where they operate some of the most modern and sophisticated warfare equipment at sea today.

As with all sea-going personnel, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators work with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as sentry or lookout duty, line handler for replenishment at sea, and as ship hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in search and rescue events and person-overboard emergencies, act as a member of the ship’s emergency response team for security watches, and routinely perform ship maintenance and repair. During emergency procedures, they fight fires as members of a fire attack team, and provide damage control in the case of a breach to the hull. If necessary, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators may serve as a member of the naval boarding party to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel’s crew during inspections.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

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

Following Environmental Training, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators attend either the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, or the Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately 20 weeks. Training includes:

• Procedures for maintaining classified material
• Procedures for conducting intelligence and evidence gathering
• Basic radar and radio theory
• Electronic warfare equipment operation and checks
• Electronic emission classification
• Internal and external radio communications procedures

Naval Electronic Sensor Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Ship’s team diver
• Ship’s team diving supervisor
• Instructional techniques
• Naval boarding party

As they progress in their career, Naval Electronic Sensor Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• NATO maritime advanced electronic warfare course
• Operational signal intelligence analysis
• Technical electronic intelligence/radar analysis
• Intermediate technical electronic intelligence/radar analysis
• Advanced electronic intelligence collection analysis
• Intermediate and advanced database courses

Naval recruits attend the Naval Fleet School either in Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

• Naval history and organization
• Shipboard firefighting and damage control
• Shipboard safety
• Watchkeeping duties
• Seamanship

Related Civilian Occupations

• Marine Electronic Detection Operator