As a Director of Mining, you provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for mining activities within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for developing and implementing mining policies, managing mining operations or programs, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards. This role involves managing budgets, supervising teams of professionals, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.
Your responsibilities include planning mining projects, overseeing environmental assessments, managing resource allocation, and ensuring sustainable practices across all mining operations. You work with engineers, geologists, environmental specialists, and other technical experts to optimize production while minimizing environmental impact. You also represent the Department in discussions with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
You work in a dynamic environment that combines office-based strategic planning with site visits to mining operations. The role requires strong leadership skills, technical mining knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements. You may be required to travel to operational sites across Canada or internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of mining services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the mining team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, 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 typically need a university degree in mining engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related natural resource field. Many successful candidates hold a professional engineering designation (Professional Engineer or P.Eng.) or equivalent professional certification in mining or resource management. Previous experience in mining operations, mine management, or resource sector leadership is essential.
Professional development opportunities include specialized training in environmental compliance, occupational health and safety management, Indigenous consultation practices, and advanced leadership programs. The Department supports pursuit of relevant certifications and memberships with professional associations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, or the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through advertised Public Service competitions. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and may be open to the public or targeted to current Government of Canada employees. Most candidates enter at this level after gaining significant experience in mining management, operations, or engineering roles within the federal government or private sector.
The Department may also recruit laterally from other government departments, Crown corporations, or the private mining sector when candidates have the required experience and qualifications. Some candidates progress into this role through internal advancement from senior specialist or manager-level positions within DND. The specific entry pathway depends on organizational needs and the nature of the competition at the time of hiring.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time permanent roles due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities involved. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. These may include flexible start and end times, compressed work weeks, or hybrid work schedules combining office time with remote work.
Remote work options may be available for administrative and planning duties but are limited when on-site presence is required for operational oversight, safety inspections, or stakeholder meetings at mining locations. Parental leave, compassionate leave, and other leave benefits are available in accordance with Treasury Board policies. Specific flexibility arrangements are negotiated based on operational requirements and individual circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
