Property Officers manage, maintain, and oversee real property assets for the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for the administration, coordination, and control of Defence facilities, buildings, and land holdings across Canada and internationally. This role involves ensuring that DND properties are maintained to appropriate standards, managing lease agreements, coordinating facility upgrades, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and applicable legislation.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include monitoring property conditions, preparing reports on facility status and requirements, coordinating with contractors and service providers, managing property inventories, and supporting capital planning initiatives. You will work with multiple stakeholders including military personnel, civilian staff, and external vendors to ensure Defence infrastructure meets operational and safety requirements.
Property Officers typically work in office environments at Defence establishments, regional headquarters, or Ottawa-based National Defence Headquarters. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic government environment.
Key Responsibilities
Manage property management activities for government real property, Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and capital projects, Ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards, Maintain property records and asset inventories
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most Property Officer positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum. Many successful candidates possess post-secondary education in business administration, real estate, facility management, or related fields. Some positions may require or prefer specific certifications such as the Canadian Real Estate Association designation or facility management credentials.
The Government of Canada and DND provide comprehensive training and professional development opportunities. New employees typically receive on-the-job training covering DND policies, Treasury Board directives, real property management systems, and facility management software. DND may support pursuit of professional certifications in property management, such as those offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) or Real Property Institute of Canada (RPIC). Throughout your career, you will have access to courses in project management, contract administration, and advanced property management practices to support your professional growth.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Property Officer career in the Public Service through several pathways. The primary method is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and DND recruitment websites. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the stated qualifications.
DND also maintains inventory lists and talent pools for property management roles, which allow qualified candidates to be considered for positions without competing in a formal competition. If you have prior experience in property management, real estate, or facility administration with other federal departments, Crown corporations, or provincial/municipal governments, you may be eligible for lateral movement into a Property Officer position.
Students can gain relevant experience through DND's Student Work Program or Co-op placements in property management units. These programs provide valuable exposure to real property administration and can lead to permanent employment opportunities upon graduation. Veterans with relevant military background or civilian experience also have dedicated hiring initiatives within DND.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Property Officer positions, depending on operational requirements and the specific location. Many regional and headquarters-based property management offices support flexible schedules, compressed work weeks, or part-time employment where the workload and staffing levels permit.
Remote work options vary by position and team. Property Officers with primarily administrative and planning responsibilities may have opportunities for partial remote work or telework arrangements. However, positions requiring regular facility inspections, on-site coordination, or direct oversight of properties typically require a more substantial in-person presence at Defence establishments.
Flexibility and remote work availability should be confirmed during the recruitment process, as they depend on the specific position, organizational needs, and management approval. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and will discuss accommodation options with candidates and employees.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
