As a Supervisor - Civil Engineering, you will lead and manage a team of civil engineers and technicians while overseeing the planning, design, and construction of civil engineering projects for the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for ensuring that projects meet technical standards, budget requirements, and delivery timelines while maintaining a safe and productive work environment for your team.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising project teams, reviewing engineering designs and reports, coordinating with contractors and stakeholders, managing resources and budgets, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. You will mentor junior engineers, conduct performance evaluations, and contribute to strategic planning for civil infrastructure initiatives.
You will work in a professional environment within DND facilities, on construction sites, and in office settings. This role requires strong technical knowledge of civil engineering principles combined with leadership skills, as you will balance technical decision-making with people management and organizational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily civil engineering 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
Technical analysis, Design and drafting tools (CAD), Project management, Regulatory knowledge, Problem-solving, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
You must have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline from a Canadian university or equivalent foreign qualification. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification or eligibility for certification in Canada is required or expected for this position. Many candidates hold a Master's degree in civil engineering or a specialized area such as structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering. You should have several years of professional experience in civil engineering design and project delivery before moving into a supervisory role. DND offers ongoing professional development opportunities including project management training, leadership development programs, and technical certifications relevant to defence infrastructure. Employees are encouraged to maintain their P.Eng. status and pursue additional credentials in specialized areas of civil engineering.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisory position typically requires progressing through the civil engineering career stream within the Public Service. Most candidates begin as Civil Engineers (entry-level or intermediate) and advance to senior or lead positions before competing for supervisor roles. DND regularly posts competitions for Civil Engineer positions at various levels, advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). You may also enter through lateral moves from other government departments or Crown corporations if you have relevant civil engineering experience and meet the qualification requirements. Some candidates transition to supervisory positions through internal advancement within DND when vacancies arise and they meet the competitive criteria. Student programs and co-op positions in civil engineering can provide pathways to permanent employment following graduation.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - Civil Engineering positions are typically full-time permanent roles; however, flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and managerial approval. Many DND civil engineering teams have adopted hybrid work models, allowing supervisors and their teams to work remotely for portions of the week while maintaining on-site presence for meetings, site inspections, and collaborative work. Part-time or job-sharing supervisory positions are uncommon in this role due to the continuity and leadership required; however, DND encourages discussions about work-life balance options. Telework is possible for administrative and design tasks, though site visits and project oversight typically require on-site presence. Specific flexible arrangements should be discussed with your hiring manager and aligned with DND operational needs.
