Archivists are information professionals who manage and preserve historical records, documents, and materials of enduring value for the Department of National Defence. As an Archivist, you will organize, catalogue, and maintain collections that document military history, operations, and institutional memory. Your work ensures that important records are accessible to researchers, military personnel, historians, and the public while maintaining security and compliance with government regulations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include appraising records for historical significance, creating finding aids and databases, preserving fragile materials, and providing reference services to users. You will work with diverse media formats—from paper documents and photographs to digital files and audio recordings. Archivists at DND play a crucial role in supporting military heritage, institutional accountability, and evidence-based decision-making across the organization.
You will work in a collaborative environment within DND libraries, archives facilities, and information management teams. The role offers opportunities to engage with military history, contribute to public understanding of Canada's defence heritage, and work with cutting-edge digital preservation technologies. Whether you are based at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or at other DND locations across Canada, you will be part of a team dedicated to safeguarding Canada's documentary heritage.
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
To qualify as an Archivist with DND, you typically need a bachelor's degree in history, library science, information science, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Arts in Library Science with a specialization or coursework in archives. Some positions may accept equivalent experience in records management, museum curation, or heritage preservation.
Professional certifications valuable to this career include the Certified Archivist (CA) credential offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists, which demonstrates expertise in archival theory and practice. You should develop proficiency with archival management systems, metadata standards (such as Dublin Core and EAD), and database tools. Knowledge of digital preservation, digitization standards, and information security is increasingly important.
Once hired, DND provides ongoing professional development through training in government records management systems, security protocols, and specialized software. You are encouraged to pursue continuing education through professional associations such as the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) and to attend conferences and workshops that keep you current with evolving archival practices and technologies.
Entry Plans
Positions for Archivists in DND are typically filled through public service staffing competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the Public Service Commission website. You can also explore opportunities through lateral moves if you are already working within the federal Public Service in a related information management or library science role.
For recent graduates or those new to federal government, watch for student recruitment programs and entry-level positions in Records Management or Information Management that can lead to Archivist roles. DND also occasionally recruits through talent pools established by previous competitions, offering opportunities to join without competing again if you have already been assessed and found qualified.
To prepare for competition, ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your archival education, any relevant internships or volunteer experience in archives and museums, and familiarity with government information management. Highlight any experience with cataloguing systems, metadata creation, digital preservation, or heritage collections. Security clearance requirements vary by position; many roles require at least an Enhanced Reliability status.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Archivist positions at DND, though availability depends on the specific work unit and operational needs. Some archival projects and cataloguing work can be structured to accommodate part-time schedules, compressed work weeks, or job-sharing arrangements.
Remote work options have expanded within the federal Public Service and may be available for certain archival duties such as metadata creation, catalogue maintenance, and reference research. However, some responsibilities—particularly hands-on preservation work, physical appraisal of collections, and in-person user services—typically require on-site presence. Discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or after joining, as arrangements are negotiated based on operational requirements and your position's specific duties. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating employees' needs where possible.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
