As a Supervisor - Telecommunications in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team of telecommunications professionals responsible for maintaining, operating, and improving the critical communication systems that support DND operations across Canada and globally. Your primary responsibilities include overseeing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure; directing staff in their technical and professional duties; ensuring service quality and system reliability; and managing budgets and resources allocated to your team. You will work in a dynamic environment where telecommunications systems are essential to military readiness and civilian operations. Your decisions directly impact the ability of DND personnel to communicate effectively in both routine and operational contexts. This role requires strong technical knowledge combined with proven leadership capabilities, as you will be responsible for both the technical direction of telecommunications projects and the development of your team members.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily telecommunications 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
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, 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 secondary school diploma or equivalent, with post-secondary education in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field being highly valued. Many successful candidates hold a diploma or degree from a recognized telecommunications or information technology program. Professional certifications in areas such as network administration, telecommunications systems, or IT project management can significantly enhance your candidacy. Once hired, you will have access to DND's professional development programs, including supervisor and management training courses, advanced telecommunications certifications, security clearance training, and opportunities to pursue formal qualifications in leadership and project management. DND is committed to continuous learning and will support your development through tuition assistance programs and access to online learning platforms. You may also have opportunities to obtain certifications through recognized industry bodies and professional associations in the telecommunications field.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Supervisor - Telecommunications role typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Most candidates begin their federal career in entry-level or intermediate telecommunications positions, gaining several years of technical experience before competing for supervisor roles. DND regularly opens competitions for supervisory positions and maintains staffing pools for telecommunications careers. If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may apply through internal competitions, which often provide priority consideration. DND also considers lateral moves from other departments or agencies where you have demonstrated supervisory experience in related technical fields. Some advancement opportunities arise through designated entry-level programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) initiative, which can lead to permanent positions. We recommend monitoring the Public Service Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND careers portal regularly for open competitions in your region.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Supervisor - Telecommunications positions are available depending on operational requirements and team needs. While supervisory roles typically require a consistent full-time presence to ensure effective team management and leadership, DND recognizes the importance of work-life balance and will explore flexible scheduling options where operationally feasible. This may include flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or job-sharing arrangements in some cases. Remote work options have expanded within DND and may be available for portions of your duties, particularly for planning, administrative, and coordination activities, though on-site presence will be required for team meetings, critical system support, and hands-on technical oversight. Specific flexibility options depend on your location, team requirements, and the nature of telecommunications systems under your supervision. We encourage candidates to discuss work arrangement possibilities with their prospective supervisors and HR representatives during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
