As an Archival Assistant with the Department of National Defence, you'll play a vital role in preserving and organizing Canada's military heritage and sensitive government records. You'll work with historical documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, and digital files that are essential to DND operations, research, and public access. Your work ensures that important institutional knowledge is protected, properly catalogued, and available to authorized personnel, historians, and the public.
In this role, you'll perform a variety of archival and records management tasks including receiving and processing new materials, creating finding aids and metadata, preserving fragile documents, and assisting with digitization projects. You'll work closely with librarians, records managers, and other team members to maintain archival standards and best practices. Your attention to detail, organizational skills, and respect for historical materials are essential as you contribute to DND's commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional memory.
You'll work in archive facilities, libraries, or records centres, often in a structured office environment with specialized climate control to protect materials. The role offers regular hours with opportunities to learn about Canadian military history and contribute meaningfully to national heritage preservation.
Key Responsibilities
Perform information asset management / operations activities per GC IM policies, Manage information assets through their lifecycle, Ensure compliance with access to information and privacy requirements, Support information governance and standards
Required Skills
Records management, ATIP legislation, Information governance, Classification systems, Digital literacy, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
You'll typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent to qualify as an Archival Assistant. Many successful candidates have taken college or university courses in library science, archives management, history, or information management—though these are not always required for entry-level positions.
Once hired, DND will provide on-the-job training in archival procedures, records classification, database systems, and preservation techniques specific to military materials. You may have opportunities to pursue professional certifications through the Canadian Library Association or the Association of Canadian Archivists as you gain experience. DND encourages continuous learning and may support training in emerging technologies like digital preservation, metadata standards, and records management software. Many Archival Assistants advance their careers by pursuing formal credentials in archives and records management at the college or university level, often with tuition support from the Public Service.
Entry Plans
Most Archival Assistant positions in DND are filled through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (Canada.ca/jobs). To apply, you must be a Canadian citizen, have a valid security clearance (or be willing to obtain one), and meet the core language requirements for the position (typically Canadian English or French, depending on the work location).
Entry typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent; some competitions may prefer or require college-level education in related fields. DND also participates in federal student internship and co-op programs, which can be a pathway to permanent employment. Internal candidates from other federal departments may apply through lateral transfer competitions if positions are advertised to the broader Public Service. Bridging programs and Indigenous recruitment initiatives may also provide alternative pathways. We recommend checking Canada.ca/jobs regularly and following DND's civilian careers channels for posted competitions in your region.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and casual work opportunities do exist for Archival Assistants in DND, though the majority of positions are full-time permanent roles. Part-time schedules typically range from 20 to 30 hours per week and may offer flexibility in hours, making them attractive to students or those with other commitments.
Remote work arrangements are generally limited for this role due to the hands-on nature of archival work—you'll need to be on-site to handle materials, perform preservation tasks, and access specialized equipment and climate-controlled facilities. However, depending on the facility and manager discretion, some administrative tasks (such as metadata entry or database work) may occasionally be completed remotely. Flexible work arrangements such as compressed work weeks or flexible start/end times may be negotiated with your manager based on operational needs and facility requirements. We encourage you to discuss flexible options during the interview process or after being hired, as accommodation varies by location and operational demands.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
