As a Director of Forestry with the Department of National Defence, you will lead strategic forestry initiatives across DND properties and installations. You will oversee the management, conservation, and sustainable use of forest resources on military lands while ensuring environmental stewardship and compliance with federal regulations. This role combines scientific expertise with leadership responsibility, requiring you to manage teams of forestry professionals, coordinate with other government departments, and implement evidence-based forest management practices. Your work directly supports DND's operational requirements while contributing to Canada's environmental commitments.
In this position, you will develop and execute forestry policies, plans, and programs for DND facilities and training areas. You will supervise staff responsible for forest health assessments, pest and disease management, timber operations, habitat restoration, and wildfire prevention. Your responsibilities include budget management, stakeholder engagement with Indigenous communities and provincial governments, and ensuring alignment with Treasury Board directives and Treasury Board policies on environmental management.
You will work in a dynamic environment that spans from office-based planning and policy development to field work on DND properties. This role requires collaboration across military and civilian teams, engagement with external environmental organizations, and participation in interdepartmental initiatives. Your decisions impact both the operational readiness of military installations and Canada's broader environmental and climate action goals.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of forestry services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the forestry team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in forestry, forest ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree in forestry or forest management. Professional forestry credentials are highly valued, including membership in a provincial professional foresters' association or certification through the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF).
You should have progressively responsible experience in forestry management, ideally including supervisory or project leadership roles. Knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture practices, pest management, and forest inventory systems is essential. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and forest management planning software is beneficial.
Professional development opportunities within DND include training in federal environmental policy, Indigenous consultation practices, climate adaptation strategies, and advanced forest management techniques. You may also pursue advanced certifications through the CIF or provincial forestry associations. DND supports employees in maintaining their professional certifications and staying current with evolving forestry practices and environmental regulations.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through competitive public service staffing processes. Most candidates come from one of three pathways: lateral movement from other federal departments or agencies with forestry programs, promotion from senior forestry positions within DND, or external competition for candidates with equivalent experience in provincial forestry services or private sector forest management.
You may enter the federal public service through various routes depending on your background. If you are currently outside government, you can apply when DND posts a public competition for this role. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal Public Service Commission channels. If you are already a federal public servant in a related field, you may be considered through internal staffing processes or appointment pools.
DND also develops talent through its professional development programs. If you are early in your career, you might enter as a Forestry Professional at lower classifications and progress to this Director level through demonstrated performance and competition. Some candidates transition from provincial government forestry positions or from roles with Crown corporations managing natural resources. Student internship programs can also provide a pathway into DND's forestry stream for recent graduates.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in forestry are typically full-time appointments due to the leadership and strategic responsibilities required. However, the federal public service does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, which may be negotiated with your manager depending on operational requirements.
Remote work options for this role are limited given the need for regular field inspections and on-site management of DND forest properties. However, portions of the work—including strategic planning, policy development, reporting, and stakeholder coordination—can be performed remotely or through flexible scheduling arrangements. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and will consider flexible options such as compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules where operationally feasible.
Part-time work at the Director level is generally not available, as this role requires full-time commitment to leadership responsibilities. If you are interested in flexible arrangements, these should be discussed during the staffing process or negotiated with your director after appointment. DND HR can provide more specific information about flexible work options available within your specific work unit and location.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
