As a Housekeeping Room Attendant with the Department of National Defence, you will provide essential cleaning and maintenance services in military facilities, offices, barracks, and residential accommodations across Canada. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and orderliness in assigned areas to support a safe and professional work environment for military personnel and civilian staff. This role is fundamental to facility operations and contributes directly to the health, safety, and morale of the Defence team.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include cleaning and sanitizing rooms, bathrooms, and common areas; changing linens and making beds; dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors; managing waste disposal; and maintaining inventory of cleaning supplies. You will follow established cleaning protocols and safety procedures, including the proper use of cleaning chemicals and equipment. You may also perform minor maintenance tasks such as reporting repairs needed and addressing spills or hazards immediately.
You will work in diverse military environments including barracks, training facilities, offices, and residential quarters. The work is physically active and requires attention to detail, reliability, and a strong commitment to maintaining professional standards. You will typically work independently or as part of a small team, and may work various shifts including early mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on facility needs.
Key Responsibilities
Perform cleaning services duties within the commerce, retail services and insurance function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Required Skills
Client service, Business acumen, Negotiation, Process management, Communication, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To be eligible for this position, you must have successfully completed secondary school (high school diploma or equivalent). While not required, some employers prefer previous housekeeping or cleaning experience in institutional or hospitality settings.
No formal professional certifications are typically required at entry level. However, the Department of National Defence provides on-the-job training covering facility-specific cleaning procedures, safety protocols, use of equipment and cleaning products, and health and sanitation standards. You may have opportunities to complete workplace certifications in health and safety, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), or specialized cleaning techniques. Ongoing professional development may include training on new equipment, updated cleaning methods, and leadership skills if you seek advancement within the cleaning services field.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND careers portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the basic qualifications.
You may also enter through student or youth programs if you are currently studying or between 18-30 years old, which can provide pathways to permanent employment. Some positions may be filled through internal staffing processes if you are already employed in the federal Public Service and wish to transfer to DND. Lateral moves from other federal departments with similar cleaning or facility maintenance roles are possible. Watch the DND Civilian Workforce careers website regularly for postings, or register for job alerts to be notified when competitions open in your region.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Housekeeping Room Attendant positions, though availability depends on facility needs and operational requirements. Many facilities require cleaning services across multiple shifts, which can include early morning, evening, or weekend work. Some positions offer flexible scheduling within defined shift parameters.
Remote work is not applicable to this role, as housekeeping services must be performed on-site in the facilities being maintained. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to work-life balance and may offer flexible scheduling options such as shift flexibility, compressed work weeks, or part-time hours depending on the specific facility and operational needs. Speak with the hiring manager or HR representative during the recruitment process to discuss scheduling options that may be available for the position you are pursuing.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
