Property Managers in the Department of National Defence are responsible for the planning, coordination, and oversight of real property assets across military installations and civilian facilities. They manage the full lifecycle of properties including acquisition, maintenance, utilization, and disposal, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and departmental standards. Property Managers work in a dynamic environment where they balance operational requirements with fiscal responsibility, managing budgets that can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars. They collaborate with multiple stakeholders including facility operators, military personnel, contractors, and government agencies to ensure that Defence real property supports the department's mission and operational readiness. The work involves both strategic planning at the portfolio level and hands-on problem-solving for day-to-day facility challenges. Property Managers may be based at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, regional offices, or directly at military bases and establishments across Canada, working regular business hours with occasional requirements for after-hours emergency response.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of property management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the property management team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, 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
A bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business administration, or a related discipline is typically required. Many successful Property Managers hold professional certifications such as Certified Property Manager (CPM) from the Institute of Real Estate Management, or equivalent credentials recognized by the Canadian Real Estate Association. The Government of Canada provides extensive professional development opportunities including specialized training in federal real property management policies, environmental compliance, project management methodologies, and financial management. Employees are encouraged to pursue ongoing education through Treasury Board Secretariat learning resources, the Canada School of Public Service, and professional associations. Internal DND training covers departmental-specific property management systems, security protocols, and Defence-specific infrastructure requirements. Continuous learning is supported through mentorship programs, conference attendance, and professional development funds to maintain currency with evolving property management practices and federal government standards.
Entry Plans
Entry into Property Manager positions typically occurs through competitive public service recruitment processes managed by the Public Service Commission. The Department of National Defence regularly advertises open competitions for Property Manager roles at various experience levels, ranging from entry-level coordinators to senior managers, allowing candidates to progress through the career ladder. Candidates can apply directly to advertised positions on the Government of Canada Jobs website. The department also maintains candidate pools for Property Management positions, which may allow qualified individuals to be considered for future openings without recompeting. Lateral moves from other federal departments with relevant property, facilities, or real estate management experience are common and encouraged. Post-secondary graduates with relevant degrees may enter through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or similar student programs, which can lead to permanent positions upon graduation. Veterans with military service in related fields may have priority consideration through the Preference for Canadian Forces Veterans policy. Professional members of recognized property management associations may have their credentials recognized, potentially accelerating progression within the classification system.
Part-Time Options
Property Manager positions at the Department of National Defence are typically full-time permanent roles, as the nature of real property management and facility oversight generally requires consistent presence and availability. However, flexible work arrangements are available in many cases, including flextime schedules that allow Property Managers to adjust their start and end times while maintaining full-time hours. Depending on the specific posting and work location, some positions may offer telework opportunities for administrative and planning tasks, though positions at active military installations or large facilities typically require on-site presence. Part-time or job-share arrangements are rarely available for Property Manager roles at the manager classification level, as these positions carry significant responsibility and decision-making authority. Employees may be eligible for leave options including parental leave, compassionate leave, and paid vacation in accordance with Treasury Board policies. Interested candidates should inquire about specific flexible work options during the recruitment process, as availability varies by position and location. DND continues to explore modern work arrangements to support employee well-being while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
