As a Customs Broker with the Department of National Defence, you facilitate the smooth movement of goods across Canada's borders while supporting national security and defence operations. You act as an intermediary between DND, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and shipping companies, ensuring all customs documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with federal regulations. Your work directly supports the supply chain for military operations, equipment procurement, and defence logistics.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include preparing and submitting customs declarations, coordinating with border officials, managing import and export documentation, calculating duties and taxes, and resolving customs issues that may delay shipments. You ensure that DND's international shipments meet all legal requirements while maintaining security protocols essential to defence operations. This role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of tariff classifications, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
You work in a professional office environment, typically at a DND facility or customs port of entry. You interact regularly with CBSA officers, logistics coordinators, vendors, and international partners. This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to Canada's defence capability by ensuring timely and compliant movement of critical defence materials and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Perform border services 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates hold a post-secondary credential in business, international trade, or logistics, though this is not always required.
The Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database (CIMDB) and Harmonized Tariff Schedule of Canada are essential tools you'll learn to use. Most candidates complete formal customs broker training through recognized professional institutions or gain knowledge through on-the-job mentoring. Some pursue the Customs Broker Examination administered by the Canadian Association of Customs Brokers (CACB) to become a licensed customs broker, which can enhance career advancement within DND and the broader public service.
Once hired, DND provides comprehensive training in departmental customs procedures, security protocols, and systems. Ongoing professional development opportunities include courses in tariff classification, trade compliance, and advanced customs procedures. You may also access Government of Canada learning programs in project management, communication, and leadership as you progress in your career.
Entry Plans
Customs Broker positions in the DND civilian workforce are filled through several pathways. The primary route is through an external staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically follow a structured evaluation process including an application review and interview.
You may also enter through internal competitions if you're already a Government of Canada employee, which may offer a faster process. Some positions are filled through student hiring programs or co-op placements, providing an excellent entry point if you're completing post-secondary education in a related field.
Lateral moves from other federal departments or agencies—particularly those involved in trade, border services, or logistics—are also common. If you have previous customs brokerage experience with CBSA, Canada Revenue Agency, or private sector customs brokers, this experience is highly valued and can strengthen your application. Once you enter the public service in any role, you gain access to internal competitions that may lead to customs broker positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Customs Broker positions are limited but may be available depending on operational needs and the specific DND location. Full-time permanent positions are the standard for this role due to the continuous nature of border operations and customs compliance requirements.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework, may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your manager, though some duties require in-person presence at customs facilities or DND offices for document handling and coordination with border officials. Remote work is typically not suitable for the core duties of this position, as hands-on interaction with shipping materials, documentation verification, and real-time coordination with CBSA is essential.
As a Government of Canada employee, you have access to flexible work policies and leave provisions, including parental leave, compassionate care leave, and other statutory benefits. Discuss specific flexibility options with your hiring manager during the recruitment process, as accommodations may be possible depending on operational requirements and your role within the customs function.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
