As a Communications Officer in Emergency Management, you will be a critical link between the Department of National Defence and the public during times of crisis. You develop and deliver clear, accurate, and timely communications that keep Canadians informed and maintain public confidence in DND's emergency response efforts. Your work spans media relations, social media, internal communications, and public information campaigns during both planned exercises and real emergency situations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include preparing news releases and media briefings, monitoring media coverage and public sentiment, coordinating with other government departments and partners, and ensuring all communications align with DND messaging and government policy. You will work closely with emergency management teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to craft communications strategies that address public concerns and provide actionable information. This role requires you to remain calm under pressure, think quickly, and communicate complex information in a way that the general public can understand and trust.
You will work in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly. Your workplace may be a DND office during routine operations, an Emergency Operations Centre during activations, or even deployed locations during significant incidents. The role demands flexibility, strong judgment, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities
Perform emergency management duties supporting public safety and security, Conduct assessments, investigations, and monitoring activities, Enforce regulations and respond to incidents, Prepare reports and maintain operational records
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed in this role, you should have a post-secondary diploma or degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, emergency management, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, though relevant experience can sometimes substitute for formal education.
Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication in English (and ideally French), media relations experience, digital and social media literacy, crisis communication knowledge, and the ability to work under deadline pressure. You should be comfortable with news writing, fact-checking, and understanding journalistic standards.
Once hired, DND provides training in emergency management principles, government communications policies, security protocols, and the department's specific emergency response procedures. You may also pursue professional development through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), or emergency management certifications. Security clearance training is required for this position, and you may be required to obtain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance depending on the specific posting.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career with DND typically occurs through a public competition process advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Careers portal. Competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You may enter at different classification levels depending on your education and experience—typically at the CR-03 or CR-04 level for those with relevant post-secondary training.
DND also participates in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can provide entry pathways for students and recent graduates. Lateral moves from other government departments are possible if you have equivalent communications experience and meet the position requirements. Some positions may be filled through priority hiring processes for veterans or other designated groups.
The application process requires a resume, cover letter, and usually a written exam or panel interview assessing your communication skills, judgment, and ability to work in emergency situations. Your security clearance eligibility will also be assessed early in the process.
Part-Time Options
Most Communications Officer positions in Emergency Management are full-time roles, as emergency response operations often require regular office presence and availability during incidents. However, DND recognizes the value of work-life balance for all employees.
Flexible work arrangements, including modified schedules or compressed work weeks, may be available depending on operational requirements and your manager's discretion during non-emergency periods. Remote work options are possible for some communications tasks like drafting and social media monitoring, though you may be required to report to the office or Emergency Operations Centre if an incident is activated.
If you are activated to support an emergency response, you should expect to work extended hours and potentially irregular schedules until the crisis is resolved. DND offers compensatory time off and supports employee wellness during these high-demand periods. Part-time permanent positions in this specialty are rare but may occasionally be available—you can inquire about these opportunities when applying.
