As a Supervisor in Science and Math within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team of science and mathematics professionals who support defence research, policy development, and operational requirements. You will be responsible for directing the work of your team members, ensuring the delivery of high-quality scientific analysis and mathematical solutions that inform military strategy, capability development, and defence policy. This supervisory role combines technical expertise in science and mathematics with people management responsibilities, requiring you to mentor your team while maintaining the scientific rigor necessary for defence and security operations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include assigning and reviewing scientific work, managing project timelines and budgets, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative research environment. You will collaborate with other departments, external research institutions, and military stakeholders to ensure that scientific research and mathematical analysis directly support Canadian defence priorities. You may also represent your team at meetings, contribute to policy recommendations based on scientific evidence, and stay current with advancements in your field while managing supervisory duties.
The work environment is typically office-based, though fieldwork or site visits may be required depending on the nature of research projects. You will work within a structured government framework while contributing to meaningful work that supports national defence and security.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily general science and math 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 typically need a university degree in a natural or applied science discipline, mathematics, or a related field. A master's degree or higher is often preferred, particularly for more senior supervisory roles. You should have proven experience working as a scientist or mathematics professional, typically 5-7 years, with demonstrated expertise in your field of specialization.
Beyond formal education, the Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities including supervisory training, project management courses, and science policy training. You may pursue professional certifications or memberships relevant to your scientific discipline through organizations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Engineers Canada, or discipline-specific associations. DND supports continuous learning through access to conferences, workshops, and specialized training that keeps you current with emerging research and defence science trends.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisor role typically occurs through several pathways. The most common route is through a public service staffing competition where you apply as an external candidate or current federal employee. Many supervisory positions are filled by promoting experienced scientists or mathematicians already working within DND or other federal departments who have demonstrated leadership potential and technical expertise.
If you are a recent graduate, you may enter the Public Service through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) in a junior scientific role, then progress to supervisory levels as you gain experience and compete for advancement opportunities. As a current federal employee in a science or mathematics role, you can apply for supervisor competitions within DND or other departments. Lateral moves from other government departments, research institutions, or the private sector are also possible if you have the required qualifications and experience. The Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts all staffing processes and maintains an inventory of candidates for recurring science and supervisory positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is available for this supervisor role, though supervisory positions typically require a consistent full-time presence for effective team management and leadership. Many DND locations offer flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and compressed work weeks, which allow you to maintain your supervisory responsibilities while achieving better work-life balance.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government, and depending on your team's location and the nature of your work, you may have opportunities to work from home for a portion of your week. However, regular in-person presence is usually necessary for team meetings, mentoring, and collaborative research activities. Specific arrangements for part-time or flexible work should be discussed with your manager and the local HR office, as they depend on operational requirements and team structure. If you are considering part-time work, it is best to inquire about current policies and possibilities during the recruitment process or with the hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
