As a Farm Labourer – Livestock with the Department of National Defence, you will support the daily operations of military-owned or operated livestock facilities across Canada. You will work directly with animals, feed, facilities, and equipment to ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of livestock herds. This role is essential to maintaining food security and operational readiness at DND agricultural operations. You will be part of a small team dedicated to professional animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices. Your work directly contributes to the self-sufficiency and mission readiness of Canadian Armed Forces establishments.
Your primary responsibilities include feeding and watering livestock, cleaning and maintaining animal housing facilities, monitoring animal health and behaviour, and assisting with breeding, vaccination, and other animal care procedures. You will operate and maintain farm equipment and tools, keep detailed records of animal management activities, and follow strict biosecurity and safety protocols. This is hands-on, physical work that requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and a genuine commitment to animal welfare. You may work in various weather conditions and at different times of day, including early mornings and weekends, depending on operational needs.
You will work in a structured military environment where teamwork, reliability, and following procedures are essential. This position offers the opportunity to develop valuable agricultural skills while serving the Canadian Armed Forces and contributing to national defence objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct agriculture research, monitoring, and analysis, Collect and interpret environmental or scientific data, Prepare technical reports and recommendations, Support regulatory compliance and stewardship programs
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
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 (Grade 12 or GED). While formal agricultural training is not always required, relevant experience working with livestock is highly valued. Some facilities may require or prefer candidates with certificates in areas such as animal husbandry, farm management, or agricultural operations from a vocational or agricultural college.
Once hired, the Department of National Defence will provide on-the-job training specific to the facility's operations, animal types, equipment, and safety procedures. Depending on your posting location, you may receive training in animal health basics, biosecurity protocols, equipment operation, and DND-specific policies and procedures. The Canadian Armed Forces emphasizes continuous learning, and you will have opportunities to pursue professional development in areas such as advanced animal care, equipment certification, or farm management. Some positions may lead to certifications in areas like animal welfare inspection or sustainable agricultural practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are advertised through public competitions on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND civilian careers portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the stated qualifications.
The Department of National Defence also maintains staffing pools for farm and agricultural positions, which allows qualified candidates to be considered for opportunities across multiple locations without reapplying each time. Student summer work programs may be available for post-secondary students seeking temporary agricultural experience. Lateral moves from other agricultural or labour positions within the federal government are also possible if you already have public service status.
To apply, you will need to demonstrate your suitability through a written application, and you may be invited to an interview where you can discuss your experience with livestock, physical capabilities, and commitment to the role. Security clearance requirements apply to all DND civilian positions, so you must be willing to undergo a background check.
Part-Time Options
Farm Labourer – Livestock positions are typically full-time roles because livestock care requires consistent daily attention and cannot easily be interrupted. Animals must be fed, watered, and monitored every day, including weekends and holidays, which means shift work and weekend assignments are common.
However, some DND agricultural facilities may offer flexible scheduling options within the full-time framework, such as rotating shifts or adjusted start times to accommodate operational needs and employee preferences where feasible. Part-time or casual positions may occasionally be available during peak seasons or at specific locations, though these are less common than full-time opportunities.
Remote work is not applicable to this role, as your presence on-site is essential for animal care and facility operations. Your work location will be at the DND agricultural facility where you are posted, typically in a rural setting. If you have family or personal needs that require flexibility, discuss this during your application and interview process to understand what arrangements may be possible at your specific posting location.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
