As a Supervisor in Administration, you will lead and manage a team of administrative professionals who provide essential support to Defence and National Security operations. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing administrative functions such as correspondence, records management, scheduling, budget tracking, and office operations. Your leadership ensures that administrative processes run smoothly and efficiently, allowing your organization to focus on its core mission.
In this role, you will supervise staff performance, manage workload distribution, and maintain quality standards across administrative operations. You will communicate with colleagues at all levels, coordinate with other departments, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and DND procedures. Your work directly impacts how well your organization functions day-to-day.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically at a Defence establishment or National Defence headquarters location. The role involves regular interaction with staff, managers, and other departments. You may be called upon to mentor team members, implement process improvements, and contribute to strategic administrative planning.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily general administration operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To be considered for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with several years of experience in an administrative role. Many successful candidates hold a diploma or degree in business administration, office management, or a related field. Government of Canada experience is valued but not always required.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through DND's learning and development programs. These may include supervisory and management training, Microsoft Office and specialized software training, records management certification, and courses in labour relations and performance management. The Government of Canada also supports ongoing education through tuition assistance programs and internal learning platforms. Many supervisors pursue professional certifications in areas such as administrative management or human resources to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways. The most common route is through a public service staffing competition. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website and the DND Civilian Workforce careers page. You may apply as an external candidate (new to the federal Public Service) or as an internal candidate (already employed in government).
If you are currently working in an administrative role in the federal Public Service, you may be eligible to apply for Supervisor - Administration positions through internal competitions or lateral moves. Some candidates advance from Administrative Assistant or Administrative Officer positions after demonstrating strong performance and supervisory potential.
The Government of Canada also offers student programs and development opportunities. If you are a student or recent graduate, you may explore positions in the Student Work Program or graduate recruitment initiatives to gain initial government experience and build toward a supervisory role. Candidates with relevant experience outside government can apply to external competitions for entry-level administrative positions, then advance to supervisor positions over time.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Supervisor - Administration positions, depending on operational requirements and DND priorities. Many teams offer flexible hours or compressed work weeks to support work-life balance, particularly for supervisors managing standard business hours operations.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common across DND administrative functions. Depending on the specific position and department, you may be able to work from home for a portion of your week, typically ranging from one to three days per week. Some administrative supervision roles can be performed effectively in a remote or hybrid arrangement, especially for tasks like scheduling, correspondence management, and team communication.
Work arrangement availability varies by location and business need. When applying for a position, the job posting will specify what flexibility options are available. It is recommended to discuss specific work arrangement preferences during the interview process. The Government of Canada is committed to providing employees with flexible work options that meet both organizational needs and employee circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
