As a Supervisor in Cleaning Services with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic facilities across DND properties. You will oversee daily cleaning operations, coordinate work schedules, ensure quality standards are met, and maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment. Your leadership ensures that all DND facilities—from offices and barracks to specialized operational spaces—meet rigorous cleanliness and sanitation standards essential to military operations and personnel health and safety.
Your responsibilities include supervising and evaluating cleaning staff performance, conducting safety inspections, implementing cleaning protocols and procedures, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. You will also communicate with facility managers, respond to maintenance requests, manage budgets for your team's operations, and contribute to continuous improvement of cleaning processes. You work in a structured military environment where attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are essential.
This role offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills while playing a vital part in maintaining DND's operational readiness. You will work on military bases, headquarters, and other government facilities across Canada, in a role that directly supports the Canadian Armed Forces and defence operations.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily cleaning services 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
Client service, Business acumen, Negotiation, Process management, Communication, 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 a Supervisor position in Cleaning Services, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus several years of experience in cleaning or custodial work, with demonstrated supervisory or lead-hand experience. Many candidates progress into this role after working as cleaning staff within DND or other organizations.
While formal certifications are not always mandatory, employers value relevant qualifications such as:
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certification
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Occupational health and safety training
• Supervisory or management training courses
• Food safety or specialized cleaning certifications (depending on facility type)
Once hired, DND provides on-the-job training, orientation to military protocols, and access to professional development programs. You may pursue further management credentials, health and safety certifications, or training in facility management systems. DND encourages continuous learning to enhance supervisory skills and keep current with industry best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Supervisor - Cleaning Services position with DND typically follows these pathways:
Public Service Job Competitions: DND regularly posts competitions for supervisor positions on the Government of Canada Job Bank and internal career portals. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and may be open or closed (limited to internal applicants or specific groups).
Internal Promotion: Current DND cleaning services staff can apply for supervisor positions through internal competitions, which prioritize existing employees. This is a common pathway for advancement within the department.
Lateral Moves: If you hold a supervisor or management position in cleaning services elsewhere in the federal public service, you may apply for lateral transfers or competitions within DND.
Student and Youth Programs: DND occasionally recruits through youth employment programs, though supervisor-level positions typically require relevant work experience first.
To apply, you will need to submit a résumé demonstrating relevant supervisory experience, pass a security clearance process, and participate in interviews or assessment activities. Competition timelines vary, so regularly checking Government of Canada job postings is recommended.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Cleaning Services are typically full-time permanent or term positions. However, DND recognizes the value of work-life balance and may offer flexibility depending on operational needs and facility requirements.
Part-time opportunities may be available in some locations, though supervisor roles generally require full-time presence for effective team management and operational continuity. Flexible scheduling, such as staggered start times or adjusted shift patterns, may be negotiated based on facility needs and supervisor agreement.
Remote work is not typical for this role, as supervisors must be physically present to oversee cleaning operations, conduct inspections, ensure safety compliance, and manage staff directly. However, some administrative tasks may be completed flexibly.
If flexible or part-time arrangements are important to you, discuss options during the recruitment process with your hiring manager, as accommodations may be possible depending on the specific DND facility and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
