As a Labour Policy Analyst with the Department of National Defence, you will develop, analyze, and recommend labour policies and programs that support DND's civilian workforce. You will research labour market trends, employment legislation, and best practices to inform policy decisions at the departmental and government-wide levels. This role involves collaborating with Human Resources, management, and stakeholder groups to ensure policies are practical, compliant, and aligned with Treasury Board directives and the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include conducting policy research and analysis, preparing briefing documents and recommendations for senior management, monitoring changes to federal labour legislation, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies. You may also participate in consultations with unions, employee groups, and other government departments to gather input on labour-related issues and concerns.
You will work in a collaborative environment within DND's Human Resources or Labour Relations branch, where attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills are essential. This position requires discretion when handling sensitive labour relations matters and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general labour tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most candidates have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as human resources management, labour relations, public administration, political science, economics, or law. Some positions may accept applicants with a college diploma combined with relevant work experience in labour relations or human resources.
Ongoing professional development opportunities are available through the Canada School of Public Service, including courses in labour relations, policy development, conflict resolution, and government administration. Many analysts pursue professional certifications such as the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) or memberships with organizations like the Industrial Relations Institute of Canada. As you advance in your career, you may have opportunities to take specialized training in areas such as employment equity, occupational health and safety policy, or collective bargaining.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career in several ways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through Government of Canada job competitions open to Canadian citizens. Watch the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and DND's careers portal for postings at the CR-03, CR-04, or CR-05 classification levels, which represent entry to mid-career positions.
If you are already a federal public servant, you may apply for internal competitions or use lateral movement processes to transition into Labour Policy Analyst roles. DND also participates in the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) and campus recruitment programs for recent graduates. Some candidates enter through student employment programs (such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program) and transition to indeterminate positions once they complete their studies. Networking with DND Human Resources recruiters and attending government careers events can help you learn about upcoming opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Labour Policy Analyst positions, subject to operational requirements and manager approval. Many analysts work on a full-time basis, but part-time or job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated depending on the needs of the branch and your personal circumstances.
Remote work is increasingly available for this role, particularly for research, analysis, and report writing tasks. However, some in-person attendance may be required for meetings, consultations, and collaborative work with colleagues and stakeholders. Telework arrangements are typically negotiated as part of your employment agreement and can be adjusted based on workload and departmental priorities. Flexible hours may also be available to help you balance work and personal commitments, subject to operational needs.
