As a Supervisor in Geomatics at Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of geomatics professionals who collect, analyze, and manage spatial data to support military operations and defence initiatives. You will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of geomatics projects while ensuring your team meets operational deadlines and maintains the highest standards of accuracy and quality. Your work directly contributes to mapping, positioning, navigation, and geographic information systems that are essential to DND operations across Canada and internationally.
In this role, you will manage personnel, assign work priorities, monitor project progress, and provide technical guidance to your team members. You will also liaise with other departments, military units, and external partners to ensure geomatics services meet operational requirements. Your responsibilities include budget management, performance evaluations, training and development of staff, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and standards.
You will work in a dynamic environment that combines office-based work with field operations. The role requires strong leadership skills, technical geomatics knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced organization. You may be required to support operations across different time zones and geographical locations, and travel may be necessary depending on operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily geomatics 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
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, 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 Geomatics, you typically need a post-secondary diploma or bachelor's degree in geomatics, surveying, geography, or a related field such as geology, civil engineering, or geographic information systems (GIS). Some candidates may qualify through a combination of relevant work experience and technical certifications.
Professional certifications and memberships strengthen your candidacy. These may include Professional Surveyor credentials (if applicable in your province), GIS certifications from Esri or similar organizations, or memberships with professional bodies such as Geomatics Canada or the Canadian Society of Surveying and Mapping.
Once hired, you will have access to DND training programs, including supervisory and management development courses, security and military-specific training, and ongoing technical professional development. The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through tuition assistance programs, access to online learning platforms, and internal mentorship opportunities. Leadership training is typically mandatory for supervisory positions and may include courses in team management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.
Entry Plans
You can enter the DND civilian workforce as a Supervisor in Geomatics through several pathways. The most common route is through a public service staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be open to the public or limited to current federal public service employees depending on organizational needs.
If you are already a geomatics technician or technical specialist within DND or another federal department, you may be considered for advancement through internal promotion or lateral movement as supervisory positions become available. Some candidates progress through the ranks after gaining experience in technical geomatics roles.
The federal government also offers student programs such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program for recent graduates and co-op placements for students currently enrolled in relevant programs. These can provide pathways to permanent employment as you develop your career.
When applying, ensure your resume highlights supervisory experience, technical geomatics expertise, project management skills, and any relevant certifications. A security clearance (usually Secret level or higher) will be required and can take several months to process.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Geomatics are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the leadership and operational responsibilities involved. However, the federal public service does offer flexible work arrangements that may be available depending on operational requirements and manager approval.
Remote work options have expanded across the Government of Canada. Administrative and planning aspects of the supervisory role may be performed remotely, though you will likely need to be present on-site regularly for team meetings, project coordination, and field supervision. The extent of remote work eligibility will depend on your specific duties, team location, and operational needs.
Flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, and job sharing arrangements may be negotiated with your manager within the constraints of operational requirements. As a supervisor managing a team with geomatics field work, your availability during core operational hours will be essential. Any flexible arrangements would typically be formalized in a written agreement with your department. We recommend discussing flexible work options during the interview process or after being hired to determine what can be accommodated for your specific role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
