As a Director General - Painting, you lead and manage painting operations and trades within the Department of National Defence. In this executive role, you oversee strategic direction, resource allocation, and performance management for painting teams and facilities. You are responsible for ensuring all painting work meets federal standards, safety regulations, and departmental requirements while maintaining operational efficiency and quality control.
Your responsibilities include managing budgets, supervising senior trades personnel, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. You work with senior leadership across DND to prioritize painting maintenance and infrastructure needs, coordinate with other trades and departments, and manage relationships with external contractors when required.
You work in a dynamic environment that includes military bases, defence facilities, and administrative offices across Canada. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, technical knowledge of painting trades, and the ability to manage complex operations while adapting to changing priorities and resource constraints.
Key Responsibilities
Perform painting tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of progressive experience in painting trades and supervisory roles within the federal Public Service or equivalent organization. Many successful candidates hold Red Seal certification or interprovincial trade qualifications in painting.
Professional development opportunities include executive leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, project management training, financial management courses, and advanced safety certifications. DND supports continuous learning in areas such as strategic planning, human resources management, and emerging sustainable painting technologies and practices.
Your career development may also include specialized training in building systems, heritage restoration painting techniques, and environmental compliance related to paint materials and application.
Entry Plans
Entry to this career typically occurs through federal Public Service competitions at the Executive (EX) level or equivalent classification. Most candidates progress through competitive processes after gaining experience in lower-level painting trade positions (Painting Technician, Senior Painting Technician, or Paint Shop Supervisor roles).
You may also enter this career through lateral movement from other federal departments or the Canadian Armed Forces. Some positions are filled through executive recruitment processes that consider candidates with equivalent private sector experience in construction, facility management, or industrial operations leadership.
The Public Service Commission manages all competitions and selection processes. Interested candidates should monitor the Government of Canada's Job Bank and DND's careers website for posted opportunities, as well as contact DND Civilian Recruitment for information about upcoming competitions and eligibility requirements.
Part-Time Options
Director General - Painting positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the executive and supervisory nature of the work. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and manager approval.
Remote or hybrid work options may be available for portions of the role that involve planning, budget management, and administrative responsibilities, though the position requires regular on-site presence at facilities to conduct inspections, supervise teams, and manage operations.
Specific accommodations for flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, or other arrangements should be discussed directly with the hiring manager during the recruitment process, as approval depends on operational needs and departmental policy.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
