As a Manager of Veterinary Services in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee veterinary operations that support the health and welfare of military working animals and contribute to operational readiness. You will manage a team of veterinary professionals, coordinate veterinary care delivery, and ensure compliance with animal health standards and regulations. This role involves strategic planning, budget management, and collaboration with other departments and external veterinary organizations to maintain the highest standards of animal care within DND facilities.
Your responsibilities will include supervising veterinary staff, developing and implementing veterinary health protocols, managing laboratory and clinical operations, and ensuring proper documentation and reporting of animal health status. You will also be responsible for training and mentoring your team, managing departmental budgets, and contributing to the development of veterinary policies and procedures that align with Canadian Armed Forces requirements and federal regulations.
You will work in a military health care environment with exposure to various animal species used in defence operations. The role requires strong leadership skills, technical veterinary knowledge, and the ability to work collaboratively with military personnel, civilian staff, and external stakeholders. Your work directly impacts operational effectiveness and animal welfare standards across DND.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of veterinary services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the veterinary 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 must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school, or equivalent qualification recognized by provincial veterinary regulatory bodies in Canada. You must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the province where you will be working and maintain active membership with the appropriate provincial veterinary association.
Professional certifications in specialized areas such as military veterinary medicine, exotic animal care, or laboratory animal medicine are considered valuable assets. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development, and successful candidates will have opportunities to pursue additional certifications, attend professional conferences, and participate in continuing education programs through professional veterinary associations and military health services training.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through the federal public service competition process. Candidates may apply through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Depending on operational needs, the Public Service Commission may conduct competitions at various experience levels, from newly licensed veterinarians to experienced veterinary managers.
Lateral movement is also possible for current Government of Canada employees or Canadian Armed Forces members seeking to transition into civilian veterinary management roles. DND may use student recruitment programs and veterinary internships to identify future talent. Candidates with previous veterinary experience in military, federal, or provincial settings are encouraged to apply, as this background can strengthen applications and facilitate career progression.
Part-Time Options
Full-time employment is the standard for Manager positions within DND Veterinary Services due to the supervisory and operational management responsibilities required. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to supporting work-life balance for all employees.
Depending on operational requirements and managerial discretion, some flexibility may be available for flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted scheduling or modified work locations for administrative duties. Remote work options may apply to portions of the role involving planning, reporting, and coordination activities, though on-site presence is necessary for operational oversight and staff supervision. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their supervisor and manager during the hiring process and throughout their employment. Part-time or job-share arrangements are generally not available at the managerial level but may be explored on a case-by-case basis.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
