As a Director General of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), you lead the strategic direction and implementation of comprehensive health and safety programs across Department of National Defence operations. You oversee a team of OHS professionals and specialists, setting policies, standards, and procedures that protect the health and safety of military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors. This executive-level position involves developing long-term OHS strategies, ensuring compliance with federal legislation, and promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
Your responsibilities include directing the development and delivery of OHS policies, programs, and guidance; managing budgets and resources; building partnerships with internal stakeholders and external agencies; and ensuring that all OHS initiatives align with DND priorities and federal requirements. You provide expert advice to senior leadership on occupational health and safety matters and represent DND at national and international forums on OHS issues.
This role operates in a dynamic, mission-focused environment where you balance strategic planning with operational demands. You work collaboratively with military commanders, civilian managers, and external partners to embed safety into all DND activities, from training exercises to administrative operations. The position offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of thousands of personnel across Canada and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver occupational health and safety services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, engineering, or a related discipline. Many candidates hold a master's degree in occupational health and safety, business administration, or public administration.
Professional certifications are highly valued, such as the Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or equivalent Canadian credentials from organizations like the Board of Canadian Certified Safety Professionals (BCCSP).
Given the executive nature of this position, you should demonstrate expertise in occupational health and safety management, federal legislation (including the Canada Labour Code and relevant provincial regulations), risk management, and program evaluation. Candidates typically have 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in OHS roles, with at least 5 years in senior management or specialist positions.
Professional development opportunities include executive leadership programs, advanced OHS certifications, specialized training in emerging hazards (such as psychological health and safety), and participation in federal government management development initiatives. DND supports ongoing learning through conferences, workshops, and professional association memberships to keep you current with evolving OHS standards and best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General level in the federal Public Service typically occurs through one of several pathways:
**Public Service Commission Competitions**: Most Director General positions are filled through open or restricted competitions advertised by the Public Service Commission. These competitions assess candidates on executive competencies, strategic thinking, and specialized OHS knowledge. You can monitor current opportunities on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca).
**Lateral Moves from Senior OHS Positions**: If you already work in the federal public service in a senior OHS role (such as a Director or Senior Advisor level), you may apply for Director General competitions. Internal candidates often have advantages as they understand federal systems and DND operations.
**Mobility from Other Government Departments**: Candidates from other federal departments with strong OHS leadership backgrounds can apply for DND positions. Your experience in another government organization is valued and often directly transferable.
**Student and Early-Career Programs**: The federal government offers student internships and early-career development programs (such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Public Service Resourcing Group) that can lead to permanent positions. These programs provide pathways into the federal OHS community.
**Appointment from Outside Government**: If you bring exceptional OHS expertise and executive experience from the private sector or academic institutions, you may be appointed directly, though this is less common at the Director General level than internal competition.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and executive nature of the responsibilities. However, the federal Public Service has modernized its approach to flexible work arrangements.
**Flexible Work Options**: Depending on operational needs and departmental agreements, you may negotiate flexible scheduling, such as compressed work weeks or flexible start/end times. Remote work arrangements are increasingly available for administrative and strategic planning work, though the role may require regular on-site presence for stakeholder engagement and oversight of safety-sensitive operations.
**Leave and Time Off**: As a federal public service employee, you receive comprehensive leave benefits, including vacation leave (typically 3-4 weeks annually), sick leave, family-related leave, and access to unpaid leave options such as leave without pay for caregiving or personal reasons.
**Part-Time Appointment**: Formal part-time appointments at the Director General level are rare, as the executive scope of the role generally requires full-time commitment. However, if you require part-time work, you should discuss possibilities directly with DND Human Resources during the recruitment process.
For the most current information on flexible work options available within DND, consult with the department's Human Resources team or review the relevant collective agreement (either the Union of National Defence Employees agreement or the applicable management category agreement).
