As a National Quarantine Coordinator with the Department of National Defence, you will play a critical role in protecting public health and national security by managing and coordinating quarantine operations across Canada. You will develop policies, procedures, and protocols for quarantine activities, ensuring compliance with federal health regulations and international standards. This position requires you to work collaboratively with provincial and territorial health authorities, other federal departments, and international health organizations to maintain effective quarantine programs during public health emergencies.
Your responsibilities will include coordinating quarantine facility operations, managing resource allocation, monitoring compliance with quarantine measures, and ensuring the health and safety of individuals under quarantine. You will analyze health data, prepare reports for senior leadership, and recommend improvements to quarantine procedures based on emerging best practices and lessons learned. You will also serve as a liaison between DND and civilian health authorities, ensuring military resources are deployed effectively in support of public health objectives.
This role is typically based in the National Capital Region but may require occasional travel to quarantine facilities, provincial health departments, or international meetings. You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where decision-making authority and problem-solving skills are essential. The position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Canada's public health infrastructure and national resilience.
Key Responsibilities
Provide general health care and social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you must have a post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant health discipline such as public health, epidemiology, nursing, health sciences, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold bachelor's degrees in public health or environmental health, though equivalent work experience in health administration or public health emergency management may be considered.
Professional certifications that enhance your candidacy include credentials in public health (such as CPHI or CPHSA designations), epidemiology, infection prevention and control, or emergency management. Some positions may require or prefer certification as a Public Health Inspector or similar regulatory credential depending on specific duties.
Once hired, the Government of Canada provides comprehensive professional development opportunities through Treasury Board learning programs, public health training institutes, and emergency management courses. You will have access to training in federal policies, health regulations, emergency operations, and leadership development. DND also supports ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge of public health trends, quarantine best practices, and emergency response protocols.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through federal Public Service staffing competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Careers portal. Positions may be posted as indeterminate (permanent) or term-based, depending on operational needs and funding.
You may enter through several pathways: direct competition if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the required qualifications; internal competitions if you are already a federal public servant; or through lateral movement from another department or agency if you have relevant health administration or public health experience.
The Government of Canada also operates student and new graduate recruitment programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can lead to indeterminate positions for eligible candidates. Relevant work experience in provincial health ministries, public health units, or emergency management organizations is valued and may expedite your advancement.
For more information on current opportunities, visit the DND Civilian Careers website or jobs.gc.ca, where you can subscribe to job alerts for National Quarantine Coordinator and related health care positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available for this position, depending on operational requirements and management approval. During non-emergency periods, some coordination and administrative duties may be performed on a part-time or flexible schedule. However, during public health emergencies or quarantine activations, full-time hours and extended schedules are typical.
Remote work options are possible for certain duties such as policy development, data analysis, and inter-departmental coordination, particularly when quarantine operations are not actively being deployed. Many Government of Canada employees in health administration roles have successfully negotiated hybrid arrangements that combine office time with remote work days.
Flexibility may be more limited during emergency response phases, as the role requires coordination across multiple time zones and rapid decision-making. Any formal arrangements for part-time or flexible work must be discussed and approved by your manager and must align with operational needs and Treasury Board policies on work arrangements. We encourage you to discuss your scheduling preferences during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
