As a Director of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage emergency medical services operations across military facilities and operations. You are responsible for directing clinical and administrative functions, ensuring quality patient care delivery, and maintaining compliance with federal health and safety regulations. In this role, you oversee paramedics, medical technicians, and support staff while coordinating with other healthcare professionals and military command structures.
Your responsibilities include developing and implementing emergency medical protocols, managing budgets and resources, ensuring operational readiness of medical response teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence. You will work in a dynamic environment that may include military bases, field operations, and deployed settings. This role requires strong leadership abilities, clinical judgment, and the capacity to make critical decisions under pressure while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and military medical readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of emergency medical services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the emergency medical services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a current Canadian or internationally recognized paramedic certification (typically Advanced Care Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic level, depending on the specific posting). Most candidates hold a bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Services, Health Science, or a related field. A master's degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, or Public Administration is valued for advancement to director-level positions.
You should possess current certification in courses such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). Many directors pursue credentials in healthcare management or leadership. Within the Department of National Defence, you will have access to professional development programs through the Canadian Armed Forces medical training institutions and Treasury Board-approved management and leadership courses. The Department supports continuing education and specialization to maintain clinical competency and develop advanced management skills.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through federal Public Service staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Most candidates enter as paramedics or Advanced Care Paramedics at lower classification levels and advance through progressive supervisory and management positions within DND medical units or Canadian Armed Forces medical facilities.
You may also enter through lateral transfers from provincial emergency medical services, hospital systems, or other federal departments. The Department occasionally uses talent pools and recruitment campaigns to fill director-level positions. Some candidates progress through the Canadian Armed Forces officer medical administrator stream. Specific entry requirements, application procedures, and current competition notices are posted on the Government of Canada's official jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Interested candidates should monitor postings regularly and prepare documentation demonstrating both clinical expertise and management experience.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Emergency Medical Services are typically full-time permanent roles due to the operational and leadership demands of managing emergency medical services 24/7. However, the Department of National Defence does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and supervisory approval.
While remote work may be possible for administrative and planning activities, the nature of emergency medical services leadership requires on-site presence for operational oversight, staff supervision, and emergency response coordination. Part-time arrangements at the director level are rare but may be negotiated in specific circumstances. Prospective employees should discuss flexibility options directly during the recruitment process or with their hiring manager, as accommodations depend on the specific location, facility needs, and individual circumstances.
