As a Director General of Veterinary Services within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a strategic veterinary program that supports the health and operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces. This executive-level position involves overseeing veterinary operations, animal care standards, food safety protocols, and disease prevention across military facilities and operations. You will be responsible for developing policies, managing budgets, coordinating with other government departments and international partners, and ensuring compliance with federal health and safety regulations. The role combines scientific expertise with executive leadership, requiring you to make decisions that directly impact military capability and personnel health. Your work environment includes administrative headquarters, field operations, research facilities, and potential international deployments. You will supervise a team of veterinary professionals and support staff, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and represent the Department in matters related to veterinary services and animal health.
Key Responsibilities
Provide veterinary services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from a recognized veterinary school, or equivalent qualification. Registration or licensure as a veterinarian in Canada is required. Beyond the basic veterinary qualification, successful candidates typically possess advanced education or certifications in areas such as military veterinary medicine, public health, food safety, or business administration. Many Director Generals hold a Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Professional development opportunities include executive leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized military veterinary training, advanced management certifications, and participation in professional veterinary associations. The Department supports ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge of current veterinary practices, military health standards, and emerging infectious disease threats.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General - Veterinary Services position typically occurs through open Government of Canada competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission website. Candidates are usually drawn from senior veterinary professionals already working within the Canadian Armed Forces, the broader federal public service, or the private sector. The most common pathway involves progression through intermediate veterinary positions within DND, such as Veterinary Officer or Senior Veterinary Officer, gaining operational experience and demonstrating leadership capability. Some candidates may enter through lateral moves from other government departments with veterinary operations. The selection process includes a formal competition with written assessments, interviews, and reference checks focused on executive competencies, strategic thinking, and veterinary expertise. While there are no dedicated student or apprenticeship programs for this executive role, early-career veterinarians can pursue positions as Veterinary Officers to begin their career with the military and work toward senior leadership positions.
Part-Time Options
The Director General - Veterinary Services position is a full-time, permanent executive role that typically does not offer part-time arrangements due to the strategic and operational nature of the responsibilities. However, flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting for administrative duties may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your supervisor, particularly for policy development and coordination work that does not require on-site presence. Some flexibility in work scheduling may be available to accommodate professional commitments or personal circumstances, subject to operational requirements and approval by senior management. As an executive leader, you are expected to be available for urgent matters related to animal health emergencies, disease outbreaks, or operational crises that may occur outside standard business hours. The Department is committed to supporting work-life balance for all employees while maintaining the operational readiness and critical services that veterinary leadership provides to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
