As a Manager - Civil Engineering, you will lead engineering teams and oversee the planning, design, and delivery of civil engineering projects for the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for managing project budgets, schedules, and technical quality while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and departmental standards. Your work directly supports military operations and infrastructure by delivering essential engineering solutions.
In this role, you will supervise civil engineers and technical staff, provide technical guidance on complex projects, and represent the department in stakeholder meetings with contractors, other government departments, and external partners. You will balance competing priorities, manage resources efficiently, and ensure your team maintains the highest standards of professional practice and safety.
You will work in a collaborative environment within DND's infrastructure and engineering branches, often coordinating with military personnel, other government agencies, and private sector partners. Your decisions impact military readiness and the safety of personnel and facilities across Canada and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of civil engineering services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the civil engineering team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
You must hold a degree in civil engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution. Professional certification as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or eligibility for licensure is required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe. Many successful candidates have completed relevant certifications through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), or equivalent provincial bodies.
The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including management training, project management courses, and advanced technical certifications. You will have access to learning platforms, mentorship programs, and support for maintaining your professional engineering credentials. Continuing education in areas such as infrastructure management, digital project delivery, and environmental engineering standards is encouraged and supported.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The primary route is through open competitions for the Manager - Civil Engineering position, which are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Eligible candidates include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with valid work authorization.
If you are already working in the Public Service as a civil engineer or in a related technical role, you may apply for internal competitions or be considered for lateral moves into management positions. Some positions may be filled through feeder pools of experienced engineers. Graduates with relevant engineering degrees may enter at lower levels (such as junior engineer positions) and advance to management through promotion competitions and career progression. DND also participates in federal recruitment initiatives and may consider candidates through bridging programs for recent engineering graduates.
Part-Time Options
Full-time employment is the standard for Manager - Civil Engineering positions due to the supervisory responsibilities and project leadership requirements. However, the Government of Canada is committed to flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Many DND offices offer flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and hybrid work options that combine office and remote work.
Remote work eligibility depends on your specific duties and team location. While some management and administrative tasks can be performed remotely, site visits to engineering projects, team supervision, and stakeholder meetings typically require in-person presence. Discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process and with your manager once hired. Accommodations for personal circumstances are made wherever possible within operational requirements.
