As an Editing Clerk with the Department of National Defence, you will play a key role in producing clear, accurate, and professional written communications. You will review, edit, and prepare documents for publication including correspondence, reports, policies, and regulatory materials. Your work ensures that all DND communications meet Government of Canada standards for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. You will work with subject matter experts, writers, and communications teams to refine content before it reaches internal and external audiences.
Your daily responsibilities will include proofreading documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation; verifying facts and references; ensuring compliance with style guides and regulatory requirements; and formatting materials for publication. You may also prepare documents for translation, coordinate with translators, and manage editing workflows. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent command of written English, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced communications environment.
Editing Clerks typically work in office settings at DND headquarters or regional offices. You will interact regularly with communications professionals, subject matter experts, and other departments. The work is intellectually engaging and directly supports DND's mission to communicate effectively with members, employees, partners, and the public.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver writing and editing 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
To qualify for an Editing Clerk position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many candidates have completed college-level courses or a diploma in communications, journalism, or office administration. Strong writing and editing skills are essential—some candidates develop these through specialized courses in editing, proofreading, or professional writing.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training to learn DND-specific editing standards, style guides, regulatory requirements, and document management systems. The Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities including courses in advanced editing techniques, project management, and specialized communication areas. You may also pursue voluntary certifications through professional associations such as Editors Canada to enhance your credentials and stay current with industry best practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Editing Clerk career in the federal Public Service through several pathways. The most common route is applying for advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically require you to submit an application and participate in an assessment process.
Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) offer students an opportunity to gain relevant experience while studying. Upon graduation, students who performed well may be considered for permanent positions through bridging processes or priority hiring initiatives.
Lateral moves from other government departments are also possible if you have relevant editing or writing experience. The Public Service Commission maintains staffing pools for various administrative and clerical positions, which may provide additional pathways to employment. We recommend checking the Government of Canada Job Bank regularly for current postings and signing up for email alerts for Editing Clerk positions within DND.
Part-Time Options
Editing Clerk positions in DND typically offer flexibility in work arrangements. Many positions are available on a full-time permanent basis; however, term and casual positions provide additional entry points and scheduling flexibility.
Remote and hybrid work options are increasingly available depending on operational requirements and management approval. Since editing work is often conducted on computers using digital documents and collaborative tools, many tasks can be performed effectively from home or a flexible location. Work-life balance initiatives in the federal Public Service support arrangements such as flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and job sharing where operationally feasible. Specific availability of these arrangements depends on your position, team, and manager. We encourage you to discuss flexible work options during the hiring process and with your manager once employed.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
