As a Labour Relations Policy Advisor, you will develop and implement labour relations policies and strategies that support the Department of National Defence's human resources objectives. You will provide expert advice on labour relations matters, including collective bargaining, grievance management, labour law compliance, and employee relations best practices. Your work will directly contribute to maintaining positive working relationships between management and employees across the DND civilian workforce.
Your responsibilities will include analyzing labour relations issues, drafting policy recommendations, advising managers and HR professionals on labour relations challenges, and supporting the implementation of labour agreements and policies. You will work collaboratively with Human Resources teams, labour relations specialists, union representatives, and senior management to resolve complex employment matters and ensure compliance with federal labour standards and collective agreements.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily at DND headquarters or regional offices, though remote work arrangements may be available. This position offers the opportunity to influence organizational policies that affect thousands of civilian employees across Canada, making a meaningful impact on workplace culture and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver labour relations 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
To succeed in this role, you should have a university degree in human resources management, industrial relations, law, business administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates also pursue professional certifications such as the Canadian Industrial Relations professional designation (CIRP) or equivalent credentials from recognized labour relations associations.
Continuous professional development is encouraged and supported. The Public Service offers training programs in labour law, collective bargaining, conflict resolution, policy development, and change management. You may also pursue specialized certifications in federal public sector labour relations through organizations like the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA) and Treasury Board Secretariat training programs. Government of Canada learning platforms provide access to courses on employment law updates, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open Public Service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website and the DND Careers portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically require submission of an application and participation in an assessment process.
You may also enter through lateral movement if you already work within the federal Public Service in a related human resources or policy role. Some candidates transition from positions in grievance management, employee relations, or HR administration. Indeterminate (permanent) positions are preferred, though term positions are sometimes available depending on departmental needs.
The Public Service also offers student recruitment programs and internship opportunities that can lead to permanent employment. If you are currently studying in a relevant field, you may be eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative for Next Generation (PRING) program, which can provide pathways to permanent employment after graduation.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are generally available for Labour Relations Policy Advisor positions, though availability may vary depending on operational requirements and specific departmental needs. Many positions in this role support flexible or compressed work week schedules, allowing you to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
Remote work and hybrid arrangements have become more common in the federal Public Service, particularly for policy and advisory roles that primarily involve research, analysis, and collaboration through digital platforms. Telework options may be negotiated with your manager based on the nature of your duties and departmental guidelines. Job-sharing arrangements may also be possible in some cases, though this depends on the specific position and business requirements.
We encourage you to discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or after being hired. The Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating diverse workforce needs within operational constraints.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
