A Hospitality Officer plays a key role in managing and delivering high-quality hospitality services within Department of National Defence facilities and operations. You will be responsible for coordinating events, managing accommodations, overseeing food services, and ensuring that visitors, personnel, and dignitaries receive excellent customer service. This role bridges operations and administration, combining strategic planning with hands-on service delivery to support the operational readiness and reputation of DND establishments.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include planning and executing events ranging from official functions to routine briefings, managing vendor relationships, coordinating accommodations and logistics, and training hospitality staff. You will work closely with military and civilian personnel at all levels, external stakeholders, and service providers to maintain standards that reflect the professionalism of the Canadian Armed Forces. A Hospitality Officer must be organized, adaptable, and committed to delivering exceptional experiences under varying circumstances—from routine operations to high-profile events.
You will typically work in a dynamic office or facility-based environment, such as military bases, headquarters, or defence establishments across Canada. The role may require flexibility with scheduling, particularly during special events or periods of heightened activity. You will interact regularly with diverse groups, manage budgets, and contribute to the overall quality of life and morale of the defence community.
Key Responsibilities
Perform hospitality duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most Hospitality Officer positions require a secondary school diploma or equivalent as a minimum, though many candidates possess post-secondary education in hospitality management, business administration, or related fields. Relevant certifications such as Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA), food safety certifications, or event management credentials are an asset. The Government of Canada provides on-the-job training and may offer access to professional development programs through the Treasury Board Learning and Development Framework. As you progress, you may pursue advanced certifications in hospitality management, leadership training, or specialized areas such as event coordination or facility management. Proficiency in both official languages (English and French) is often an asset and may be required depending on the posting location and responsibilities.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Hospitality Officer position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and internal DND recruitment channels. The Public Service Commission manages most competitions, which may be open to Canadian citizens or current public service employees. If you are already a member of the federal public service, you may be able to apply through lateral move competitions or internal appointment processes. Some positions may be filled through talent pools or continuous recruitment initiatives. Student internship and apprenticeship programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), can provide entry pathways and valuable experience. Applicants must meet the essential qualifications, pass a security clearance process appropriate to the role, and demonstrate the required language proficiency level. We recommend regularly checking Government of Canada job boards and subscribing to DND recruitment alerts to stay informed about available opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Hospitality Officer positions are available depending on operational needs and the specific posting. Many DND facilities offer opportunities for part-time or term-based employment, particularly for event-based or seasonal work. Remote work options are limited for this role, as most duties require on-site presence to manage facilities, coordinate events, and provide direct supervision. However, some administrative and planning tasks may be performed remotely with supervisor approval. Job sharing and flexible scheduling may be negotiated with your manager based on business requirements. As a federal employee, you will have access to the Public Service Labour Relations Act protections and may request workplace accommodations or flexible arrangements to support work-life balance. Eligibility and specifics vary by location and position level, so discuss your needs directly with the hiring manager or HR contact during the recruitment process.
