Correspondence Clerks in the Department of National Defence handle the flow of written communications that keeps our organization running effectively. You'll manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, ensuring that letters, emails, and documents are properly processed, classified, and routed to the appropriate recipients. This role is essential to maintaining clear communication channels within DND and between our department and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, the public, and allied nations. As a Correspondence Clerk, you'll be responsible for organizing, filing, and retrieving documents; maintaining correspondence logs and tracking systems; and ensuring compliance with government record management standards. You'll work in a structured office environment, typically within a mail room, communications centre, or administrative unit. Your attention to detail and organizational skills directly support the operational effectiveness of military and civilian teams across DND.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver correspondence products and services, Draft content for various channels and audiences, Coordinate with stakeholders on messaging and approvals, Monitor and evaluate communications effectiveness
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most Correspondence Clerk positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary training in office administration or business. Government of Canada positions may require proficiency in both English and French, depending on the language profile of the role. You'll receive on-the-job training in DND-specific systems, including the department's document management software, email protocols, and security classification procedures. Professional development opportunities include training in records management, administrative procedures, and Government of Canada systems. Some roles may offer certification in information management or document control. As you advance, you may pursue training in supervisory practices or specialize in areas like classified document handling or correspondence management systems.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Correspondence Clerk career in DND through several pathways. The most common route is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. The Public Service uses staffing pools to fill positions, so you may be invited to participate in a pool competition where successful candidates are ranked for future hiring. Some positions are open to current federal public service employees through lateral moves or internal competitions, which may have a faster selection process. Students may find opportunities through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Co-op Student Program, which provide paid work experience and can lead to permanent offers. Casual or term positions may also be available and can serve as entry points to permanent employment. All candidates must pass a security screening process appropriate to the role's classification level.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are commonly available for Correspondence Clerk positions in DND, though availability depends on operational needs and the specific work unit. Many administrative roles support shift coverage requirements, making part-time schedules practical and valuable to departmental operations. Remote work options have expanded across the federal public service; however, some correspondence duties—particularly handling classified materials or physical document processing—may require in-office attendance. Hybrid arrangements, where you work from home for certain tasks and in the office for others, are increasingly negotiated between employees and managers. Job sharing and compressed work weeks may also be available depending on the unit's priorities. If flexible arrangements are important to you, discuss options during the recruitment process and with your manager once hired. DND supports work-life balance initiatives while ensuring operational requirements are met.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
