Archive Technicians play a vital role in the Department of National Defence by organizing, preserving, and providing access to historical documents, records, and materials that are essential to military operations and heritage. They work with a wide variety of physical and digital materials, including correspondence, photographs, maps, artifacts, and electronic records that document Canada's military history and current defence activities. Archive Technicians are responsible for cataloguing materials according to professional standards, maintaining storage conditions, assisting researchers and military personnel in locating information, and ensuring records are preserved for future generations.
In this role, you will work in organized, climate-controlled archive facilities and records centres located across Canada. Your day-to-day responsibilities include receiving and processing new materials, creating and updating finding aids and database records, organizing collections, conducting quality control reviews, and helping internal and external users access archived materials. You may also participate in digitization projects, prepare materials for loan or exhibition, and assist with records management initiatives. Archive Technicians work as part of a team within Information Management sections, collaborating with librarians, records managers, and other support staff to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces' documentary heritage is properly maintained and accessible.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to military history preservation while developing expertise in information organization and archival science. The work is detail-oriented and requires strong organizational skills, attention to accuracy, and a commitment to professional standards in records management.
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
Most Archive Technician positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary education in library science, archival studies, records management, or information management from an accredited Canadian institution. Some positions may accept relevant work experience in libraries, archives, or records management as an alternative to formal education.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in DND-specific policies, procedures, and systems. The Government of Canada and DND offer professional development opportunities including training in records management software, database systems, digital preservation techniques, and archival best practices. Many Archive Technicians pursue voluntary certifications through professional associations such as the Association of Canadian Archivists or the Canadian Society for the Study of Names to advance their careers and stay current with industry standards. Continuing education in emerging technologies, such as digital asset management and metadata standards, is encouraged and supported.
Entry Plans
Archive Technician positions in the Department of National Defence are typically filled through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions are posted on the Government of Canada's official job board (Jobs.gc.ca) and on the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. You can apply directly when competitions are announced for specific locations across Canada.
Entry may also occur through lateral moves if you are already working in the federal Public Service in a similar Information Asset Management or administrative support role and meet the qualifications. Some positions may be filled through student recruitment programs or internship pathways that lead to permanent employment. If you are interested in this career, you can create a job alert on Jobs.gc.ca to be notified when competitions open, or contact the local DND Human Resources office at the location where you wish to work to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available for Archive Technician positions, depending on operational needs and the specific work location. Many DND records centres and archive facilities operate standard business hours, which can facilitate flexible scheduling arrangements such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start and end times. Remote work options are typically limited for this role, as the position requires regular on-site presence in the archive facility to handle physical materials, assist users in person, and maintain collection management activities. However, some administrative and data entry tasks associated with cataloguing and database work may be performed off-site under special circumstances, subject to supervisory approval and security requirements. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their manager and local HR representative, as arrangements vary by location and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
