As a Manager - Environmental Services in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee environmental management programs, policies, and operations across DND facilities and operations. You will be responsible for directing a team of environmental professionals and technicians, ensuring compliance with federal environmental legislation, and implementing sustainable practices across Defence infrastructure. Your role is critical in protecting both the environment and DND personnel while maintaining operational effectiveness.
In this position, you will develop environmental strategies, manage budgets, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure that all Defence activities meet or exceed environmental standards set by Environment and Climate Change Canada and other regulatory bodies. You will work on diverse projects ranging from contamination assessment and remediation to waste management, environmental monitoring, and pollution prevention. Your decisions will directly impact DND's environmental footprint and contribute to the Government of Canada's climate change commitments.
You will work in a professional environment that combines office-based management duties with site visits to Defence establishments, laboratories, and operational areas. This role requires strong leadership, technical environmental knowledge, and the ability to balance environmental protection with military operational requirements. You may work with military personnel, civilian staff, contractors, and government agencies at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general environmental services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general environmental 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
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental management, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in environmental studies, business administration, or specialized environmental fields. Professional certifications such as P.Eng. (Professional Engineer), P.Env. (Professional Environmentalist), or ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification are valuable assets.
Once hired, you will receive training specific to DND policies, procedures, and environmental frameworks. The Department offers professional development opportunities including environmental management courses, leadership training, and specialized certifications relevant to Defence operations. You are encouraged to pursue ongoing professional development through organizations such as the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, or similar provincial bodies. Access to Treasury Board learning portals and DND training programs supports your continued growth in this career.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Environmental Services position typically occurs through open competitive staffing processes. The Government of Canada uses merit-based competitions to fill these roles, and you can monitor opportunities on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND's internal staffing system.
Several pathways are available: (1) Direct entry as a Manager if you have equivalent managerial experience in environmental services or related fields; (2) Lateral movement from other environmental positions within the Public Service, such as Environmental Officer or Environmental Specialist roles, allowing you to advance into management; (3) Development through the Public Service as you progress through environmental positions and demonstrate management readiness; (4) External recruitment where DND actively seeks experienced environmental managers from private sector, academic, or non-governmental backgrounds.
Students interested in this career can explore federal student work programs, including the Student Work Placement Program and Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign, which provide experience in environmental services roles and pathways to permanent positions. Networking with DND environmental teams and informational interviews can provide insights into requirements and career progression. Competition in the Public Service is merit-based, so demonstrating relevant education, experience, and management competencies is essential.
Part-Time Options
The Manager - Environmental Services role is typically a full-time permanent position. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance, and DND civilian positions generally offer flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Many environmental management duties can be performed remotely, including report writing, stakeholder coordination, policy development, and strategic planning. Office-based work from DND headquarters or regional environmental offices is standard, with flexibility for remote work depending on your manager's approval and operational needs. Site visits to Defence establishments for environmental assessments, monitoring, and inspections are a core responsibility and cannot be performed remotely, typically accounting for a portion of your work schedule.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements may be available through discussion with your manager and HR, though these are not common for managerial positions. The standard work week is 37.5 hours. DND supports employees through flexible scheduling options, telework agreements, and leave provisions including parental leave, compassionate leave, and professional development time. Specific arrangements should be discussed during the hiring process and your employment agreement.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
