Environmental Epidemiologists in the Department of National Defence analyze the relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes in military populations. You will conduct epidemiological studies, assess health risks associated with occupational and environmental exposures, and develop evidence-based recommendations to protect the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees. Your work contributes directly to occupational health policy, workplace safety standards, and the prevention of disease and injury across Defence operations.
In this role, you will design and conduct epidemiological investigations, analyze complex health data using statistical methods, and collaborate with occupational health, environmental science, and medical teams. You may work on diverse projects including exposure assessments, disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and long-term health monitoring studies. Your responsibilities include preparing technical reports, presenting findings to senior leadership, and ensuring compliance with federal health and safety regulations.
You will work in a professional environment that values scientific rigor and evidence-based decision-making. While most of your work takes place in office and laboratory settings, you may conduct site visits to Defence installations to collect environmental and health data. You will interact with military personnel, civilian colleagues, and external health agencies to support the Department's commitment to occupational health excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide general health care and social 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
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in epidemiology, statistics, public health, mathematics, or a related health science discipline is required. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or environmental health. Advanced training in statistical analysis software (such as R, SAS, or Python) and epidemiological methods is highly valued. Professional certification through organizations such as the Canadian College of Epidemiology or the American College of Epidemiology is an asset.
Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada learning and development programs, including specialized training in occupational health epidemiology, military health policy, and Defence-specific systems and protocols. The Department supports continuing professional development through conference attendance, workshops, and online courses. You may also pursue additional certifications in occupational hygiene, industrial health, or specialized epidemiological methods relevant to Defence operations.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Environmental Epidemiologist position typically occurs through open Public Service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Positions may be posted as indeterminate (permanent) or term-based appointments. The Department may also use lateral movement processes to recruit experienced epidemiologists from other federal departments or the provincial health sector.
Recent graduates and early-career professionals may enter through targeted recruitment initiatives, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which provide pathways to permanent employment. Candidates with strong academic credentials and relevant experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, or occupational health are encouraged to monitor the Government of Canada Jobs website and subscribe to notifications for positions in the Health Care and Social Services job family.
Experienced professionals from provincial health ministries, public health agencies, or research institutions may transition into this role through external competitions or bridging processes. The Department values diverse backgrounds and welcomes applications from those with demonstrated expertise in epidemiological methods, data analysis, and health risk assessment.
Part-Time Options
The Environmental Epidemiologist position is typically offered on a full-time, indeterminate basis; however, part-time and job-sharing arrangements may be available depending on operational needs and individual circumstances. Requests for flexible work schedules are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by your manager and senior leadership.
Remote and hybrid work options are increasingly available within the Department. Given the analytical nature of much of this work—data analysis, statistical modeling, and report writing—many tasks can be performed effectively from a home office. However, positions may require periodic on-site attendance for meetings, collaboration with occupational health teams, and site visits to Defence installations. The Department supports a balance between remote work flexibility and in-person collaboration to maintain team cohesion and support operational requirements. Specific arrangements will depend on your work unit, manager discretion, and Defence priorities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
