As a Manager in Mining within the Department of National Defence, you provide strategic direction and operational oversight for mining-related activities that support Canadian defence and security objectives. You are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling mining operations while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols. Your leadership ensures that mining projects align with departmental goals and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources on DND-administered lands.
Your daily responsibilities include supervising mining teams, managing budgets and resource allocation, coordinating with internal departments and external stakeholders, and implementing best practices in extraction and processing operations. You monitor operational performance, identify efficiency improvements, and ensure all activities meet or exceed quality standards. You also play a key role in environmental stewardship, ensuring mining activities minimize ecological impact and comply with federal and provincial environmental legislation.
You work in a dynamic environment that combines field operations with office-based management. This role requires travel to mining sites, collaboration with technical specialists, and liaison with government agencies, Indigenous communities, and industry partners. Your work directly supports DND's operational readiness and resource security objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of mining services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the mining 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 be successful in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mining engineering, geology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Professional certifications strengthen your candidacy. Relevant credentials include Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or equivalent provincial bodies, Certified Professional in Mining and the Environment (CPME), or certifications in occupational health and safety management (such as CRSP - Certified Registered Safety Professional).
Once hired, you participate in ongoing professional development through Government of Canada management training programs, specialized mining and environmental management courses, and certifications in federal compliance and Indigenous engagement. DND supports continuing education to keep you current with industry standards, regulatory changes, and emerging environmental practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service:
Competitive Staffing Process: DND periodically advertises Manager - Mining positions through open competitions on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically require demonstrated experience in mining operations management.
Internal Mobility: Current Government of Canada employees can apply for Manager - Mining positions through internal staffing processes, which may have less competition and faster timelines.
Talent Pools: DND may maintain staffing pools of pre-qualified candidates for mining management roles, allowing faster hiring when positions become available.
Lateral Movement: Professionals with mining or natural resources management experience in other federal departments may transition into DND mining management roles through interdepartmental staffing.
Student and Graduate Programs: DND's recruitment initiatives occasionally target recent graduates and early-career professionals through student work-study programs and entry-level development positions that can lead to managerial roles.
All positions require a valid security clearance, which DND supports you in obtaining.
Part-Time Options
Full-time permanent employment is the standard for Manager - Mining positions at DND, as operational oversight and strategic direction require consistent on-site presence and availability.
However, flexible work arrangements may be possible for specific administrative and planning responsibilities, particularly for office-based management tasks such as budget planning, report writing, and stakeholder coordination. Remote work options are typically limited due to the requirement to supervise field operations and ensure workplace safety in mining environments.
Any flexible or part-time arrangements are negotiated individually with your manager and must align with operational requirements and collective agreement provisions. DND encourages work-life balance through flexible scheduling where operationally feasible, compressed work weeks for administrative duties, and leave provisions including parental leave and educational leave.
Discuss flexible work possibilities during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
