As a Supervisor - Chemistry with the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of chemistry professionals while maintaining your own technical expertise in chemical analysis, research, and testing. You'll be responsible for directing laboratory operations, ensuring quality standards, managing resources, and supporting the professional development of your team members. Your work directly contributes to DND's scientific objectives, whether through materials testing, environmental analysis, weapons effects research, or other defence-related chemical applications.
In this role, you balance supervisory duties with hands-on chemistry work. You'll oversee daily laboratory activities, review technical reports, mentor junior chemists, and collaborate with other scientific teams and external partners. You may also represent DND at professional forums, contribute to policy development, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and scientific standards.
You'll work in modern laboratory facilities, typically located at DND research establishments or Defence installations across Canada. The work environment combines the precision and care required for chemistry with the leadership skills needed to manage a productive team. You may work standard hours or shifts depending on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily chemistry 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
Research design, Statistical analysis, Laboratory techniques, Scientific writing, Data interpretation, 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 qualify for this position, you need a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related discipline from a recognized institution. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree or have pursued additional studies in specialized chemistry fields. You must have professional certification as a Professional Chemist (P.Chem.) or be working toward this credential through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or equivalent provincial bodies. Several years of chemistry experience—typically 5-7 years—in a laboratory or research environment is required before moving into a supervisor role. You should demonstrate competency in laboratory management, quality assurance, and health and safety protocols. DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including leadership training for new supervisors, advanced technical courses, and support for maintaining your professional certifications. You may also pursue specialized training in defence-related chemistry fields relevant to DND operations.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a Public Service competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These competitions typically require you to be a Canadian citizen, have valid security clearance eligibility, and meet the education and experience requirements. Some positions are filled through internal competitions available only to current federal public servants. If you're already working as a Chemist within DND, you can apply for supervisor positions through lateral competitions as your experience grows. The federal government also runs student exchange programs and post-secondary recruitment initiatives that can lead to permanent positions. Recent chemistry graduates may enter as junior Chemists and advance to supervisor roles over time. Candidates from other government departments or the private sector with equivalent experience can compete in open competitions. Security clearance requirements vary but are typically necessary for DND positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is available in some Supervisor - Chemistry positions, though availability depends on operational needs and team structure. If you secure a part-time appointment, you would typically work 3-4 days per week or equivalent hours spread across the week, with proportional salary and benefits. Flexible work arrangements, such as compressed work weeks or flexible daily start/end times, may be negotiated with your manager depending on laboratory requirements and team coverage needs. Remote work options are limited for this role due to the hands-on nature of chemistry work and the need to oversee laboratory operations in person. However, administrative and supervisory duties may be performed remotely on occasion. The federal Public Service offers programs like job sharing, which allows two employees to share one supervisor position, though this arrangement requires careful coordination of laboratory management responsibilities. Contact the DND HR office or the specific research establishment for details on part-time and flexible options available at your desired location.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
