As a Manager of Emergency Medical Services within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee the delivery of emergency medical services across Canadian Armed Forces establishments. You are responsible for managing a team of paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and support staff, ensuring they provide high-quality pre-hospital and emergency care to military personnel and their families. Your role involves strategic planning, budget management, staff development, and ensuring compliance with medical protocols and regulations. You will work in a dynamic, high-pressure environment where quick decision-making and strong leadership are essential. This position bridges clinical expertise with administrative responsibility, requiring you to balance operational demands with personnel management and policy implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of emergency medical services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the emergency medical services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in health sciences, business administration, or a related field, combined with several years of progressive experience in emergency medical services or paramedicine. Most candidates hold current paramedic certification (Advanced Care Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic) and possess valid provincial or national credentials. Professional development opportunities within the CAF include formal leadership and management training through Canadian Forces Learning and Development programs, courses in military health services administration, and access to civilian professional development in emergency management and healthcare administration. Many managers pursue additional certifications in advanced paramedicine, healthcare management, or obtain a Master's degree in Public Administration or Health Services Management to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position occurs through various pathways within the federal Public Service. You may enter through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada's jobs website (jobs.gc.ca), or you may be recruited from an existing merit-based pool of candidates established by National Defence Human Resources. If you are already a DND civilian employee or a Canadian Armed Forces member, you may apply for internal competitions or be considered for promotion from a lower-level paramedic or healthcare management position. Some candidates transition from civilian provincial emergency medical services to the military, competing in open competitions. Student internship programs and the Pathways to Public Service initiative also provide entry opportunities for those with relevant education and experience. Lateral moves from other Government of Canada departments in similar management or health-care roles are possible through interdepartmental transfers.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Managers of Emergency Medical Services are limited compared to other positions, due to the operational and leadership demands of the role. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to supporting work-life balance where operationally feasible. Some flexibility may be available for compressed work weeks or adjusted scheduling, particularly during periods of lower operational intensity. Remote work options are generally not available for this position, as the manager must be present to oversee emergency medical services operations, respond to crises, and supervise staff directly. Specific arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your supervisor and depends on the needs of the establishment and the availability of other management resources. Upon request, discussions about flexible work options are encouraged during the hiring process and at performance review intervals.
