Groundskeepers maintain and develop outdoor spaces at Department of National Defence facilities across Canada. You will be responsible for landscaping, grounds maintenance, and the upkeep of lawns, gardens, trees, and hardscaping features on military and civilian properties. Your work ensures that DND facilities remain safe, accessible, and aesthetically maintained for personnel and visitors.
Your daily responsibilities include operating grounds maintenance equipment, performing seasonal landscaping tasks, managing vegetation and soil conditions, removing snow and ice during winter months, and maintaining pathways and outdoor recreational areas. You may also assist with facility improvements, coordinate with contractors, and follow environmental and safety protocols specific to military installations.
Groundskeepers work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. You will be part of a facilities management team and may work independently or with colleagues, depending on project scope. Physical fitness and attention to detail are essential, as the role involves regular physical activity and precision in maintaining DND properties to required standards.
Key Responsibilities
Manage property 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
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Practical experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field is highly valued. Some facilities may prefer candidates with experience operating grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, snow removal equipment, and other machinery.
Certifications that strengthen your candidacy include landscape technician credentials, equipment operation certificates, and certifications in pesticide application or integrated pest management. The DND may provide on-the-job training and professional development opportunities, including equipment operation training, safety courses, and certifications specific to military facility requirements. Membership in professional landscaping associations is not required but demonstrates commitment to the field.
Entry Plans
Most groundskeeper positions in the DND are filled through public service staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens. You can search for current vacancies on the Public Service Commission's (PSC) Job Bank or the DND careers portal. Competitions may be advertised as local, regional, or national, depending on operational needs.
You may also enter through student programs if you are pursuing post-secondary education in horticulture, landscaping, or grounds maintenance. The DND occasionally maintains inventory lists or pools of qualified candidates for immediate hiring needs. Lateral moves within the federal public service are possible if you hold a position in a related trade or technical field. We encourage you to create a profile on the PSC Job Bank to receive notifications of relevant opportunities and to monitor the DND Civilian Workforce careers website regularly for postings at your preferred location.
Part-Time Options
Groundskeeper positions are typically full-time, permanent roles. However, seasonal variation is common, with increased staffing needs during spring, summer, and fall landscaping seasons. Some DND facilities may offer casual or term positions during peak seasons to provide flexibility for both the employer and employees seeking temporary work.
Remote work is not applicable to this role, as groundskeeping requires on-site physical presence at DND facilities. Flexibility in scheduling may be available for snow removal and winter maintenance, which sometimes operate on rotating shifts or extended hours depending on weather conditions. Discuss scheduling options with your hiring manager, as arrangements may vary by location and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
