As an Awards and Recognition Coordinator with the Department of National Defence, you will play a key role in developing, administering, and promoting awards and recognition programs that celebrate the achievements and contributions of military and civilian personnel. You will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of recognition initiatives, from program design and policy development to nomination management and award presentation ceremonies. This position bridges human resources management and organizational development, ensuring that employees at all levels feel valued for their work and commitment to Canada's defence mission.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include processing and evaluating nominations, coordinating award ceremonies and recognition events, maintaining awards databases and records, and communicating recognition opportunities to staff across the organization. You will work closely with Human Resources teams, senior leadership, and employees to understand recognition needs and ensure programs remain relevant and inclusive. You will also analyze participation trends, gather feedback, and recommend improvements to awards programs to maximize engagement and impact.
You will work in a collaborative, mission-focused environment where your efforts directly contribute to morale, retention, and organizational culture. This role typically operates during standard business hours in an office setting, though you may attend evening or weekend recognition events. You will interact with personnel at all ranks and levels, manage multiple simultaneous initiatives, and balance competing priorities with professionalism and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver awards and recognition services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed as an Awards and Recognition Coordinator, you should have completed secondary school or equivalent. Many candidates hold a post-secondary credential in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as the Canadian Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or completion of human resources management courses enhance your qualifications.
Once hired with the Public Service, you will have access to professional development opportunities including training in HR information systems, event management, communications, and conflict resolution. The Government of Canada offers learning programs through the Canada School of Public Service and departmental training initiatives. You may also pursue certifications in recognition program management, organizational development, or advanced HR practices throughout your career. Ongoing professional development in diversity and inclusion, change management, and data analysis will support your growth and ability to modernize recognition programs.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised competition at the CR-04 or CR-05 level, where you would apply alongside other candidates and compete based on education, experience, and performance in selection processes such as written exams and interviews.
If you are already working in the Public Service, you may be able to move laterally into this role through internal competitions or priority consideration programs. The federal government also offers student employment programs, including the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) and Co-op placements, which allow you to gain experience in human resources and recognition programs while completing your studies. Some candidates enter through the Casual Worker or Term Employment streams and transition to permanent positions as opportunities arise.
The Department of National Defence periodically advertises Awards and Recognition Coordinator positions on the PSC website (jobs.gc.ca). We recommend monitoring that site regularly, subscribing to job alerts, and consulting with your local HR office about upcoming competitions and mobility opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Awards and Recognition Coordinator positions are typically available as full-time permanent or term positions. However, the federal Public Service does support flexible and part-time arrangements where possible, depending on operational needs and business requirements.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements may be negotiable with management, particularly if you have demonstrated strong performance and the role's duties can be appropriately distributed. Remote work options have become more common in recent years for coordination and administrative tasks; however, some in-person presence may be required for event coordination, meetings with senior leaders, and recognition ceremonies.
We encourage you to discuss flexible work arrangements during the hiring process or with your manager once hired. The Public Service is committed to work-life balance and may accommodate requests based on organizational capacity and the specific needs of the position and team.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
