As an Indigenous Employment Officer with the Department of National Defence, you'll play a vital role in building meaningful relationships and fostering employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples within the Canadian Armed Forces and the DND civilian workforce. This position sits within our Indigenous Affairs function, where you'll work collaboratively to understand the unique needs, strengths, and career aspirations of Indigenous job seekers and employees.
Your core responsibilities include developing and maintaining partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and educational institutions; providing career guidance and employment support to Indigenous candidates; and working with hiring managers to remove barriers and create inclusive recruitment processes. You'll help identify talent pipelines, coordinate outreach initiatives, and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard throughout our recruitment and retention efforts.
You'll work in a supportive, mission-driven environment where your relationship-building skills directly impact DND's ability to attract and retain diverse talent. Whether you're based at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or at a regional office, you'll collaborate with colleagues across human resources, recruiting, and Indigenous services to advance reconciliation and equity within our organization.
Key Responsibilities
Perform indigenous affairs duties within the relationship management function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed as an Indigenous Employment Officer, you should have a strong foundation in career development, human resources, or a related field. Many candidates hold a diploma or degree in human resources management, business administration, social sciences, or Indigenous studies. Some bring direct experience in career counselling, employment services, or community outreach.
While formal certifications aren't always required, professional credentials such as a Certified Career Counsellor (CCC) designation or training in cultural competency and Indigenous affairs can strengthen your candidacy. DND invests in your professional development, offering access to training in recruitment best practices, conflict resolution, and specialized programs in Indigenous reconciliation and cultural awareness. You'll also have opportunities to pursue advanced certifications or post-secondary qualifications through the Public Service Learning Agreement.
Entry Plans
The federal Public Service uses different pathways to recruit Indigenous Employment Officers, depending on current staffing needs and your background. Most positions are filled through Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions clearly outline education and experience requirements, allowing you to apply directly.
If you're already working in the federal Public Service, you may be eligible to apply through internal competitions, which are posted on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Some positions may be filled through established staffing pools or priority hiring initiatives, particularly programs that support Indigenous peoples entering federal employment.
Recent graduates and early-career professionals should explore DND's student and new graduate programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI), which can lead to permanent positions. If you're transitioning from another federal department or agency, lateral moves are possible when your experience aligns with current vacancies. All candidates must pass a security clearance process appropriate to the position's classification level.
Part-Time Options
Indigenous Employment Officer positions at DND are typically full-time permanent or term positions. However, the federal Public Service is increasingly committed to flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.
Depending on operational needs and your manager's agreement, many roles offer flexibility such as telecommuting or hybrid work schedules (splitting time between home and office). Some positions, particularly those supporting regional or community-based outreach, may include travel or field work that requires flexibility in scheduling.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements are less common at the Employee level for this role, but they may be available in specific circumstances. If flexible work is important to your decision, we recommend discussing options directly during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired. DND is committed to accommodating diverse work preferences while maintaining service delivery to Indigenous communities and candidates across the country.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
