As a Supervisor - Actuarial Science with the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of actuaries and actuarial technicians who apply mathematical, statistical, and financial expertise to solve complex defence and security challenges. You will oversee the development and delivery of actuarial analysis, risk assessments, and pension or benefits valuations that directly support DND operations and strategic planning. Your work ensures that the department's financial and personnel-related risks are properly evaluated and managed.
In this supervisory role, you will manage team performance, provide technical guidance on actuarial methodologies, and ensure quality standards are met on all deliverables. You will also mentor junior staff, allocate work assignments, and represent your team in meetings with senior management and external stakeholders. Your team may work on projects ranging from military pension scheme valuations to long-term financial forecasting and risk modelling for defence initiatives.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically located at a DND headquarters or regional centre. This role requires strong analytical skills combined with proven leadership ability, as you balance technical actuarial work with people management responsibilities. You will interact regularly with finance officers, HR specialists, and senior defence officials who rely on your team's actuarial insights to make informed policy and budgeting decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily actuarial science 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 must hold a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field. Many candidates pursue a master's degree in actuarial science or a related discipline, which strengthens your candidacy and technical depth.
Professional actuarial certification is essential. In Canada, this means obtaining designations from the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), such as the Associate or Fellow levels. The path to these designations requires passing a series of rigorous examinations in probability, financial mathematics, life contingencies, and actuarial practice. Most candidates complete these exams while employed, often with employer support.
DND invests in the professional development of its actuarial staff. You will have opportunities to attend specialized training in actuarial software, government financial management systems, and defence-specific policy areas. Leadership training is also available to support your supervisory responsibilities. Ongoing continuing education is required to maintain professional actuarial designations and keep pace with evolving methodologies and regulations.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Supervisor - Actuarial Science position typically follows one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is internal promotion: you would begin as an Actuarial Analyst or Actuarial Officer at a junior level, gain several years of experience and technical expertise at DND, and then compete for supervisor positions when they become available.
External candidates may also enter through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca) or through DND-specific recruitment campaigns. These competitions are merit-based and include assessment of your education, professional certifications, technical knowledge, and demonstrated leadership experience from previous employers.
Some candidates enter the federal actuarial community through the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) or similar student pathways, which bring recent graduates into analyst roles with a clear progression toward supervisory positions. Lateral moves from other federal departments—such as Treasury Board Secretariat, Employment and Social Development Canada, or Statistics Canada—are also possible if you hold relevant actuarial credentials and experience.
All candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, obtain a security clearance appropriate to the role, and meet language requirements (English or French proficiency for Government of Canada positions).
Part-Time Options
The Supervisor - Actuarial Science role is typically a full-time position due to the management responsibilities and leadership expectations. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexibility options that may be available depending on operational needs and management approval.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become more common across DND civilian positions since 2020. Many actuarial roles can be performed from home with appropriate secure technology, particularly when working on analysis, modelling, and report writing. Team meetings and in-person collaboration may occur on a scheduled basis at your office location.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements for supervisory positions are uncommon, as these roles require consistent leadership presence and accountability. However, once you establish yourself in the position, you may be able to negotiate flexible hours or compressed work weeks within limits set by your manager and the department. Access to tools such as telework, flexible hours, and parental leave supports are available under the Treasury Board Flexible Work Arrangements policy. Discuss specific flexibility options during your recruitment process or after appointment with your hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
