As a Manager of Database and Database Administration within the Department of National Defence, you lead teams responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining database systems that support critical military and defence operations. You oversee the planning, deployment, and optimization of database infrastructure while ensuring data security, integrity, and availability. Your role bridges technical expertise with people management, requiring you to balance operational excellence with team development and strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Your responsibilities include directing database administration staff, managing database architecture and performance, implementing data governance frameworks, and ensuring compliance with federal security and privacy standards. You supervise the maintenance of large-scale database environments, coordinate system upgrades and migrations, and manage budgets for database technologies and tools. You also work closely with other IT managers and business stakeholders to align database solutions with Defence objectives.
You work in a dynamic environment where data security and system reliability are paramount. Your decisions directly impact operational readiness and mission effectiveness across the Department. This role offers the opportunity to manage modern database technologies while leading a skilled technical team in a mission-driven organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of database and database administration services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the database and database administration team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Many candidates have progressed through technical database administration positions before moving into management. Professional certifications in database platforms (such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL) are highly valued and often required or preferred.
The Department supports continuous professional development through access to specialized training in database management, cybersecurity, and leadership skills. You may pursue additional certifications relevant to your database platform expertise and obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar credentials to strengthen your management capabilities. DND provides opportunities for formal management training and participation in federal leadership development programs to enhance your effectiveness as a people manager.
Entry Plans
Entry to this management position typically follows one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. Many candidates advance from senior Database Administrator roles within DND or other federal departments, demonstrating technical expertise and readiness for management responsibilities. The Department regularly conducts internal competitions and merit-based selection processes for management positions.
You may also enter through external competitions advertised on the Government of Canada jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) if you bring equivalent experience from private sector or other public service organizations. Some candidates transition laterally from related IT management positions, bringing transferable leadership experience. Student or early-career programs may also lead to database administration roles that provide a pathway to eventual management positions. Federal Public Service experience in similar technical or management roles strengthens your candidacy for these opportunities.
Part-Time Options
While management positions in this role are typically full-time, the Department of National Defence offers flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. Many managers in this field have access to hybrid work options, allowing a combination of on-site and remote work depending on operational needs and team requirements. This flexibility supports focused work on strategic planning and development activities while maintaining necessary in-person collaboration.
Part-time management positions are less common but may be available in specific circumstances. Managers in database administration often have the ability to negotiate flexible schedules around core operational hours to accommodate personal needs, though the role's responsibility for system availability and team oversight requires consistent presence during critical periods. Details regarding specific flexible work arrangements are determined through discussion with your manager and aligned with team operational requirements and DND policies.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
