As a Director General in Geomatics, you provide strategic leadership and direction for geomatics programs and services within the Department of National Defence. You oversee the development, implementation, and management of geospatial information systems, mapping services, and geomatics technologies that support military operations, defence planning, and organizational decision-making. This executive-level position involves setting departmental policies, managing budgets in the millions of dollars, and ensuring geomatics capabilities align with Canada's defence priorities.
Your responsibilities include directing teams of geomatics professionals, engineers, and support staff; establishing standards and best practices for geospatial data; managing relationships with other government departments, allies, and external partners; and ensuring your programs deliver cutting-edge geomatics solutions to military and civilian users. You will represent the Department at senior forums, contribute to strategic planning at the executive level, and champion innovation in geomatics technology and practices.
You work in a dynamic environment where geomatics is increasingly critical to defence operations, cyber security, climate monitoring, and emergency response. Your decisions directly impact the Department's operational effectiveness and its ability to serve Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct geomatics research, monitoring, and analysis, Collect and interpret environmental or scientific data, Prepare technical reports and recommendations, Support regulatory compliance and stewardship programs
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in geomatics, surveying, geography, geology, engineering, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold graduate degrees (Master's or PhD) in geomatics, geospatial science, or specialized technical areas. Professional certifications such as Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or surveyor credentials strengthen your candidacy.
Experience is essential: you should have 15+ years in geomatics-related work, including 5+ years in progressively senior management roles overseeing technical teams and budgets. You must demonstrate expertise in geospatial technologies, GIS systems, remote sensing, positioning technologies, and geomatics standards.
Professional development opportunities include executive leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized geomatics and technology certifications, international partnerships with geomatics organizations, and continuous learning in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning applications in geospatial analysis, and advanced remote sensing. The Department supports conference attendance, professional memberships, and advanced technical training to keep you current in this rapidly evolving field.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General level in the Public Service typically occurs through one of several pathways. Most candidates progress through competitive internal advancement processes after establishing themselves in mid-level geomatics management positions (Senior Advisor, Senior Officer, or Director-level roles). The DND conducts periodic executive-level competitions for Director General positions, which are advertised on the Public Service Commission website and departmental career portals.
You may also enter this career stream laterally from other federal departments, provincial/territorial governments, or private sector organizations if you possess the required executive leadership experience and geomatics expertise. Some candidates transition from military officer backgrounds with geomatics specialization into civilian executive roles. Regardless of entry pathway, you must successfully complete a rigorous competition process, security clearance verification (Secret or Top Secret levels are typical), and demonstrate alignment with Public Service values and Treasury Board management standards.
The Public Service Commission maintains talent pools of qualified senior managers, and DND may recruit from these pools for urgent staffing needs. Having a strong track record in lower-level geomatics management positions, visible leadership in your field, and demonstrated strategic thinking significantly improve your competitiveness for Director General opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are full-time, executive-level roles that typically require your presence in the office on a regular basis, though remote work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and departmental policy. As an executive leader responsible for strategic direction and team oversight, you are expected to maintain a significant on-site presence, particularly in contexts requiring in-person leadership, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making forums.
Flexible work arrangements may be available within limits and subject to approval by the Deputy Minister or equivalent senior leadership. However, the nature of executive responsibility means that part-time work at this level is uncommon in the Public Service. Your role demands availability for urgent defence matters, crisis response coordination, and senior management meetings that often cannot be conducted remotely or on flexible schedules. Any flexible arrangements would be negotiated individually and would not diminish your executive responsibilities or accountability for departmental geomatics operations.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
