As a Facilities Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will manage and oversee the operations, maintenance, and strategic development of DND's real property assets. You will be responsible for ensuring that military facilities, buildings, and infrastructure meet operational requirements while maintaining safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Your work directly supports the Canadian Armed Forces' operational readiness by providing well-maintained, functional facilities across Canada and internationally.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating facility maintenance and repairs, managing budgets and work orders, liaising with contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations, and conducting inspections and assessments of building systems and grounds. You will work with multiple stakeholders including military personnel, civilian staff, external vendors, and government departments to solve facility-related challenges and implement improvements.
Facilities Officers typically work in office environments at DND installations, but may spend time conducting site inspections, meeting with contractors on-site, and traveling between multiple facilities. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining the infrastructure that enables the Canadian Armed Forces to fulfill their mission.
Key Responsibilities
Manage facilities management activities for government real property, Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and capital projects, Ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards, Maintain property records and asset inventories
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Facilities Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional post-secondary education in facilities management, engineering, property administration, or a related field being highly valued. Many successful candidates have completed college or university programs in facilities management, building science, mechanical engineering technology, or civil engineering.
Professional certifications strengthen your candidacy and career advancement. These may include Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Professional in Facility Management (PFM), or certifications in building systems, HVAC, electrical systems, or energy management. Government of Canada employees have access to professional development funding and training programs to obtain and maintain these credentials.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged and supported through DND's learning programs, which may include training in project management, occupational health and safety, energy efficiency, sustainability practices, and emerging facilities management technologies. You will also receive specialized training specific to DND operations, security requirements, and military facility standards.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to become a Facilities Officer in the Government of Canada:
**Public Service Job Competitions**: The primary route is through open or internal competitions posted on the Government of Canada's job board (Jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are merit-based and assess your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
**Recruitment and Placement Pools**: The Public Service Commission may maintain staffing pools for facilities management positions across federal departments. Being registered in an active pool can lead to job offers without going through a full competition.
**Lateral Movement**: If you are already a Government of Canada employee in a related position, you may be able to transfer into a Facilities Officer role through internal staffing processes or competitions reserved for current public servants.
**Student Programs**: The Canadian Armed Forces and DND participate in student employment and internship programs that can lead to permanent positions. These include the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and post-graduation recruitment initiatives.
**Apprenticeships and Co-ops**: Some post-secondary institutions partner with the federal government to offer work-integrated learning opportunities in facilities management that can lead to permanent employment.
Regardless of entry pathway, you will need to obtain security clearance and meet Treasury Board standards for the position.
Part-Time Options
Facilities Officer positions are typically full-time permanent roles. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
**Flexible Work Options**: Depending on your DND installation and specific duties, you may have flexibility in scheduling your work hours or working compressed work weeks. Some administrative and planning tasks can be performed with flexible start and end times, provided operational needs are met.
**Telework**: Portions of the role involving planning, budgeting, correspondence, and coordination may be performed remotely or from home on designated days, subject to approval by your manager and facility requirements.
**Part-Time Conversion**: If you are hired on a full-time basis and later require part-time work, you may request a conversion subject to operational requirements and departmental approval. Opportunities for part-time Facilities Officer positions are limited but may exist in some DND locations.
The extent of flexible and remote work available depends on the specific facility, your supervisor's management approach, and the demands of on-site inspections and emergency facility issues. Discuss specific flexibility options with your recruiting manager during the hiring process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
