Managers in Public Safety at the Department of National Defence play a critical role in protecting Canadian communities and national security. In this position, you will oversee public safety initiatives, manage teams, and coordinate with federal and provincial partners to develop and implement policies and programs that keep Canadians safe. Your work directly supports DND's contribution to Canada's defence and security objectives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include managing staff and budgets, analyzing public safety trends and threats, developing strategic recommendations, and ensuring compliance with federal legislation and Treasury Board policies. You will work collaboratively across government departments and with external stakeholders to address complex security challenges. This role requires strong decision-making skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to evidence-based policy development.
Public Safety Managers at DND typically work in headquarters environments, regional offices, or specialized defence establishments across Canada. The work environment is professional and fast-paced, with regular interaction with senior leadership, interdepartmental colleagues, and external agencies. You may be required to obtain a security clearance and handle sensitive government information.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of public safety services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the public safety team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
Successful candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, security studies, political science, business administration, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent combined with significant relevant work experience (5+ years).
Government of Canada certification in the Public Service Professional Development (PSPD) program or equivalent Treasury Board-approved training is often required or preferred. Additional credentials such as a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Master's in Business Administration (MBA), or project management certifications (PMP, Prince2) can enhance your career prospects.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged and includes access to DND-sponsored training in security management, policy analysis, HR management, and leadership development. You may also pursue certifications from professional organizations such as the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS) or the Government of Canada's Leadership development programs.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. The primary route is through an open Public Service Commission (PSC) competition advertised on the Government of Canada's official job portal (jobs.gc.ca). Competitions may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or specific internal candidate pools.
For those already working in the federal government, lateral moves from related classifications such as Policy Officer, Program Officer, or other administrative roles are common. Internal government appointment processes allow current federal employees to apply for management positions without competing in an open competition under specific circumstances.
Student and recent graduate entry programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), provide pathways to gain initial government experience. These programs can lead to casual or term positions that may eventually transition to permanent roles. Some candidates enter through Priority Hiring lists established from previous competitions or through targeted recruitment initiatives for underrepresented groups.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for Public Safety Managers are limited due to the managerial and operational nature of the role. However, flexible work options may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your supervisor and subject to operational requirements and collective agreement provisions.
Remote or hybrid work arrangements have become more common within DND since 2020, and some Public Safety Managers work on a hybrid basis (combining office and remote days). The extent of remote work eligibility depends on your specific duties, security requirements, and team needs. Positions requiring regular access to classified information or attendance at operational centres may have restrictions on remote work.
Leave benefits are competitive and include 3 weeks of annual vacation, federal holidays, sick leave, and unpaid leave options (parental, family, compassionate). Employees in the federal government also benefit from flexible work hour arrangements and can often negotiate modified work schedules with their manager, subject to operational requirements. Contact the DND or your local HR office for specific information about flexibility options for your particular position.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
