As an Occupational Health and Safety Assistant with the Department of National Defence, you play a vital role in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of DND personnel and civilians working on defence establishments. You support occupational health and safety (OHS) programs by conducting inspections, investigating incidents, promoting safety awareness, and ensuring compliance with federal health and safety legislation. You work as part of a dedicated OHS team to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement preventive measures across military facilities, offices, and operational environments.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with workplace inspections and audits, documenting OHS observations and findings, supporting incident investigations, preparing safety reports and recommendations, and helping coordinate safety training and awareness initiatives. You may also assist in developing and updating safety policies, procedures, and documentation to meet the requirements of the Canada Labour Code and other applicable regulations.
You will work in diverse environments across DND establishments, from office settings to operational facilities and field locations. This role offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference in workplace safety culture while contributing to the operational readiness and well-being of the Canadian Armed Forces and DND civilian workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver occupational health and safety 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 pursue this career, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Many candidates possess post-secondary education in occupational health and safety, environmental health, or a related field, which can enhance your competitive advantage. Some positions may require specific certifications such as Occupational Health and Safety certificates (offered through provincial or recognized training providers), or first aid/CPR certifications.
Once employed with DND, you will have access to professional development opportunities including OHS-specific training, incident investigation techniques, hazard assessment methodologies, and federal legislation compliance courses. The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through tuition assistance programs and access to online learning platforms. Many employees in this career pursue professional certifications such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) credentials or equivalent provincial designations to advance their expertise and career progression.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career with the Government of Canada through several pathways. The most common route is through open merit-based competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) where DND posts vacant positions. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents meeting eligibility criteria.
The federal Public Service also operates centralized recruitment pools for occupational health and safety positions that allow qualified candidates to be considered for opportunities across multiple departments, including DND. Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) provide entry points for students and recent graduates to gain experience and transition into permanent roles.
If you are already a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or a DND civilian employee, you may apply for lateral moves or internal competitions to transition into an OHS Assistant position. These internal opportunities are often posted on the DND careers portal and internal job boards. Your previous government experience, security clearance status, and demonstrated commitment to safety may strengthen your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Occupational Health and Safety Assistant positions, though availability varies by DND establishment and operational requirements. Many DND locations offer flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, and telework options for non-inspection duties such as report preparation, data analysis, and administrative support tasks.
Remote work is possible for portions of the role, particularly when conducting research, preparing safety documentation, analyzing incident data, and participating in virtual training. However, workplace inspections and hazard assessments require on-site presence at DND facilities. Job sharing arrangements may be available depending on staffing needs and organizational priorities.
The extent of flexible and part-time options depends on the specific DND establishment, the operational tempo of your assigned location, and collective agreement provisions. We recommend discussing accommodation options during the recruitment process and after hiring, as DND is committed to supporting work-life balance while meeting workplace safety obligations.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
