As an HR Generalist Assistant, you will provide essential support to human resources teams across the Department of National Defence (DND). Working alongside HR professionals, you will assist with a variety of personnel administration tasks that keep our organization running smoothly. Your work will directly impact the employee experience and help ensure that DND civilian staff have the support they need to succeed in their roles.
In this position, you will handle administrative duties such as processing employee records, coordinating recruitment activities, maintaining personnel files, and assisting with onboarding and offboarding processes. You may also support the development of HR policies, help organize training programs, and respond to employee inquiries about benefits, leave, and other HR matters. You will work with various departments across DND, gaining exposure to different aspects of human resources management.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically at a DND location or National Defence Headquarters. The role offers opportunities to develop your HR knowledge while contributing to the management of a large, diverse workforce. As part of a dedicated HR team, you will collaborate with colleagues who are committed to supporting both the organization and its employees.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver general human resources services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most successful candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum requirement. Many candidates bring post-secondary education such as a certificate or diploma in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Some candidates also complete college-level HR programs or pursue professional HR certifications.
Once hired, the Government of Canada provides comprehensive training to help you succeed in your role. You will receive on-the-job training specific to DND's HR systems, policies, and procedures. The Public Service offers access to professional development opportunities, including courses in HR fundamentals, labour relations, benefits administration, and employee relations. Many employees in this career pursue professional certifications such as those offered by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) to advance their careers and deepen their expertise.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public 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 follow Public Service Commission guidelines.
You may also enter through student recruitment programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which provide pathways from student positions into permanent employment. Some candidates also transfer into HR Generalist Assistant roles through lateral moves from other Government of Canada departments or from other positions within DND.
To be considered, you will typically need to demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels. Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset for many positions within DND, though requirements vary by location and specific posting.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for HR Generalist Assistant positions, depending on operational needs and individual circumstances. Many DND locations support flexible schedules that allow you to balance work with personal commitments. Remote work options may be available, particularly for certain administrative tasks, though some duties may require an in-person presence at your assigned DND office.
The Public Service is committed to work-life balance and offers various flexible work options including part-time employment, job sharing, and flexible hours. If you are interested in part-time or remote work, these options can be discussed during the recruitment process or negotiated with your manager once hired. Eligibility and specific arrangements depend on operational requirements and the nature of your duties, so it is best to inquire about available options when applying or during your interview.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
