As a Manager - Fire Prevention within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee fire prevention programs, strategies, and operations across military installations and facilities. You will be responsible for developing comprehensive fire safety policies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with federal fire codes and regulations. This role combines strategic planning with operational oversight, requiring you to manage teams of fire prevention specialists and coordinate with other safety and security departments to protect personnel, infrastructure, and assets. You will work in a structured military environment where safety is paramount and your decisions directly impact the security of Canadian Armed Forces members and facilities. Your work environment may include office-based duties at headquarters, regular site visits to military bases and installations, and coordination with external fire services and regulatory bodies. You may be required to respond to fire-related incidents, investigations, and emergencies, which can involve shift work or on-call availability depending on the specific position and location.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of fire prevention services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the fire prevention team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional education in fire science, public safety management, or a related field being highly valued. Many successful candidates hold certifications such as Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Fire Chief certification, or equivalent credentials from provincial or national fire service organizations. Professional development is ongoing and includes specialized training in fire code interpretation, hazard analysis, emergency management, leadership and management skills, and DND-specific policies and procedures. The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through tuition assistance programs, professional association memberships, and access to internal training delivered by the Canadian Armed Forces and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. You will be expected to maintain current certifications and pursue relevant credentials throughout your career to stay abreast of evolving fire prevention standards and best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Manager - Fire Prevention role typically occurs through federal public service staffing processes. Candidates may apply through open competitions posted on the Government of Canada job board (jobs.gc.ca) or may be recruited through closed competitions limited to current public service employees. Previous experience as a firefighter, fire prevention officer, or in a related safety and security role within the federal government can support your application. Many managers in this field progress internally after working in operational fire prevention roles, allowing them to develop deep knowledge of DND facilities and procedures. Lateral moves from other Government of Canada departments with fire safety, security, or public safety responsibilities are also common entry pathways. If you are new to the federal public service, you may begin your career in a firefighter or Fire Prevention Officer role and advance to management through internal competitions as positions become available. Your provincial or national fire service experience is transferable and valued in the selection process.
Part-Time Options
While most Manager - Fire Prevention positions are full-time permanent roles, part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and the specific position. Given the nature of fire prevention management and the potential for emergency response responsibilities, positions typically require full-time commitment to ensure continuous oversight and availability. However, discussions about flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, or telecommuting for administrative and planning duties may be possible on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational needs and supervisor approval. Remote work options may apply to certain planning, policy development, and administrative tasks, but on-site presence at military installations is essential for inspections, training delivery, and emergency preparedness. If flexible work arrangements are important to you, it is advisable to discuss these options during the recruitment process and with your potential manager to understand what accommodations can be made within your specific work unit.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
