As a Director General - Emergency Management, you lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of emergency management programs and services across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for developing policies, frameworks, and procedures that protect personnel, assets, and critical operations from emergencies and disasters. This senior executive role involves managing large teams, significant budgets, and complex stakeholder relationships at national and international levels.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include setting organizational priorities, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and federal emergency management legislation, and coordinating emergency preparedness and response activities. You work with other government departments, provincial and territorial partners, and international organizations to strengthen Canada's overall emergency management capacity. You also oversee risk assessments, business continuity planning, and crisis communication strategies.
This position operates in a dynamic, high-stakes environment where decisions directly impact organizational resilience and public safety. You will work in Ottawa with frequent travel to DND facilities across Canada and potential international deployments. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
Perform emergency management duties supporting public safety and security, Conduct assessments, investigations, and monitoring activities, Enforce regulations and respond to incidents, Prepare reports and maintain operational records
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, business, engineering, or a related field. Many have completed advanced credentials such as a Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or Emergency Management. Professional certifications valued for this role include membership in professional associations like the Canadian Association of Emergency Managers (CAEM) or equivalent international bodies.
Continuing professional development is essential at this level. The Public Service offers executive leadership programs, strategic management courses, and specialized emergency management training. You may pursue certifications in incident command systems, business continuity management (BCBM or CBCP), or crisis leadership. DND also supports participation in interdepartmental forums, professional conferences, and academic research to maintain current knowledge of emerging threats and best practices in emergency management.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through open competitive staffing processes run by the Public Service Commission (PSC). These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with work permits.
Candidates usually progress to this level through several years of experience in progressively senior roles within emergency management or public safety. Common pathways include advancing from Manager or Senior Manager positions within DND or other federal departments, or lateral moves from provincial emergency management agencies or private sector leadership roles. The federal Public Service may also consider experienced professionals from other government jurisdictions or sectors with demonstrated executive-level emergency management expertise.
Some candidates enter the Public Service through the Executive Recruitment Stream or lateral appointment processes that recognize equivalent experience. Internal candidates may advance through merit-based competitions within DND. All appointments at the Director General level require Treasury Board approval and security clearance at the Top Secret level.
Part-Time Options
The Director General position is typically a full-time, permanent appointment due to the strategic and operational demands of the role. However, the Public Service recognizes that flexibility arrangements may be negotiated on an individual basis with departmental approval.
Remote work is increasingly supported by DND, though the nature of emergency management may require regular in-person presence in Ottawa and at operational sites. Travel is a regular requirement for this position, including visits to regional DND facilities and potential participation in national emergency response coordination.
While the core position is full-time, DND offers other benefits that support work-life balance, including flexible hours, telework options where operationally feasible, and access to employee wellness programs. Discussions about specific flexible arrangements should occur during the hiring process and are subject to operational requirements and departmental approval.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
