As a Director General in Petroleum Engineering, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for petroleum engineering initiatives across the Department of National Defence. You will oversee complex engineering projects, manage teams of specialized professionals, and ensure that petroleum engineering operations meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. This role involves making critical decisions that impact Defence operations, infrastructure development, and resource management across the organization.
Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing engineering strategies, managing substantial budgets, directing research and development activities, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and industry best practices. You will work collaboratively with senior leadership, other government departments, industry partners, and international organizations to advance petroleum engineering capabilities and support national defence objectives.
You will work in a dynamic environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and operational effectiveness. This role requires strong analytical skills, proven leadership ability, and a deep understanding of petroleum engineering principles and their application to defence operations.
Key Responsibilities
Perform petroleum engineering analysis, design, and review, Prepare technical specifications and engineering documents, Conduct inspections, assessments, and quality reviews, Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Successful candidates typically hold a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited Canadian university or equivalent. Many candidates also pursue advanced degrees such as a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional designations are highly valued, including Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) from Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), or equivalent provincial regulatory bodies. Specialized certifications in project management, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent credentials, are often beneficial.
The Government of Canada supports continuous professional development through access to training programs, conference attendance, and specialized courses in leadership, management, and emerging petroleum engineering technologies. Within DND, you may pursue advanced certifications in defence-specific operations, strategic planning, and organizational management.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through open Government of Canada competition processes advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and through the Treasury Board Secretariat Job Architecture listings. Candidates may come from several pathways:
1. Internal Advancement: Current DND civilian employees in senior engineering or management roles may compete for the position through internal advancement competitions.
2. External Recruitment: Qualified professionals from the private sector, academia, and other government departments can apply through open competitions.
3. Lateral Moves: Experienced managers from other government departments or defence-related organizations may transition into this role through inter-departmental processes.
4. Priority Hiring Programs: Veterans, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other designated groups may access priority recruitment streams when available.
Candidates must meet Treasury Board qualification standards for Director General positions, including demonstrated senior management experience, technical expertise in petroleum engineering, and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Competition processes typically assess leadership capability, strategic thinking, and technical knowledge through written assessments, interviews, and reference checks.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent appointments due to the strategic and executive nature of the role. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and offers several flexibility options:
Remote and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and organizational needs. Many meetings and strategic planning activities can be conducted virtually, allowing some flexibility in work location and schedule.
Leave benefits include annual vacation entitlement, sick leave, family-related leave, and various other leave provisions under the Public Service Labour Relations Act. Employees may also be eligible for phased retirement options as they approach retirement age.
While part-time conversion is not typical for Director General positions given their executive responsibilities, employees facing personal circumstances may explore leave options, job sharing arrangements, or other accommodations through discussion with their manager and Human Resources. The specific flexibility available will depend on operational requirements and individual circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
