As a Supervisor - Forestry, you will lead a team of forestry technicians and technologists in implementing sustainable forest management practices across Department of National Defence (DND) properties. You'll oversee daily operations related to forest health monitoring, timber management, wildfire prevention, and environmental conservation initiatives. Your team will work on military bases and training areas, ensuring forests are managed responsibly while supporting military operations and protecting natural resources.
In this supervisory role, you'll be responsible for planning and coordinating forestry projects, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with federal environmental regulations and DND policies. You'll work closely with other departments, environmental agencies, and Indigenous communities to support forest stewardship on Crown land. Your duties include staff development, performance management, safety oversight, and reporting on forestry outcomes and environmental metrics.
You'll work in dynamic outdoor and office environments across Canada. The role requires physical presence on forestry sites, equipment yards, and at DND facilities. You may travel between work locations and participate in field inspections, planning sessions, and stakeholder meetings throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily forestry 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
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
You'll typically need a diploma or degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field from a recognized institution. Many successful candidates hold a diploma from a forestry technician program or a bachelor's degree in forestry or forest ecology. Experience as a forestry technician or in a related environmental role is expected before moving into supervision.
Professional certifications valued in this career include forestry licenses specific to your province, silviculture certifications, and credentials in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or forest inventory. DND provides ongoing professional development through training programs, workshops on federal environmental policies, and leadership development courses for supervisory staff. You'll have opportunities to pursue certifications in areas such as forest health assessment, wildfire management, and sustainable forestry practices. Membership in professional organizations like the Canadian Institute of Forestry is encouraged.
Entry Plans
Entry into DND civilian forestry supervision typically occurs through federal Public Service competitions. You may start as a Forestry Technician or Technologist and advance to a supervisory position after demonstrating technical expertise and leadership capability. DND periodically opens competitions for supervisor-level positions, advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website.
Lateral moves into this role are possible if you have equivalent experience in environmental management, land management, or technical supervision in the private sector or other government departments. Some candidates enter through student work-study programs or co-op placements as forestry technicians, building experience that leads to permanent positions and supervisory opportunities.
DND may also establish staffing pools for forestry positions to fill multiple vacancies across regions. Bridging programs are available for candidates from underrepresented groups. To pursue this career, monitor job postings on the PSC website and on the DND careers portal, and ensure your qualifications align with advertised requirements.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available in some DND forestry positions, though supervisor roles typically require full-time presence for management and accountability. Flexibility may be negotiated for office-based supervisory duties such as planning, reporting, and administrative work, particularly if your team structure and operational needs permit.
Remote work options are limited due to the hands-on nature of forestry supervision and the requirement to oversee field teams and site conditions. However, some planning, training, and administrative responsibilities can be performed remotely. Work schedules may be adjusted seasonally, as forestry activities vary throughout the year—busier periods occur during growing and harvesting seasons, while winter months may allow more flexibility.
Discussions about accommodation, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks should occur with your manager and HR representative during the hiring process or after appointment. DND supports work-life balance within operational constraints and encourages employees to discuss their needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
