As an Occupational Health and Safety Policy Advisor with the Department of National Defence, you will develop, implement, and evaluate occupational health and safety (OHS) policies, programs, and procedures that protect DND civilian employees and support the organization's commitment to safe working conditions. You will provide expert advice on OHS matters to senior management, conduct assessments and audits, investigate incidents, and ensure compliance with federal legislation including the Canada Labour Code and Treasury Board directives.
Your responsibilities will include analyzing workplace hazards, recommending control measures, developing training materials, and collaborating with stakeholders across the department to promote a strong safety culture. You may work on specialized initiatives such as pandemic response protocols, ergonomic assessments, hazardous materials management, or mental health and wellness programs. Your work directly contributes to reducing workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents while supporting operational effectiveness across DND facilities and activities.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where your expertise influences policy at multiple organizational levels. This role offers opportunities to work with diverse teams, from frontline staff to executive leadership, and to make a meaningful impact on the health and safety of thousands of civilian employees across Canada.
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 qualify for this position, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, combined with 2-3 years of relevant experience in occupational health and safety, human resources, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a post-secondary diploma or degree in occupational health and safety, workplace health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications are highly valued and may include: Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (COHST), Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC), or equivalent provincial certifications such as the Occupational Health and Safety Technician Examination (OHSTE) in Ontario. Some positions may require or prefer bilingualism (English and French).
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities including specialized OHS training, Treasury Board policy updates, investigation techniques, and management certifications. The federal government supports continuing education through tuition reimbursement programs and provides access to learning platforms such as the Canada School of Public Service.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career in the DND civilian workforce through several pathways. The most common route is applying to open Public Service Recruitment Tool (PSRT) competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are posted when DND has vacant positions and typically include a screening process based on education and experience, followed by interviews and assessments.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you are already employed in the federal public service in another occupational category, or through internal DND competitions that are sometimes advertised to current employees first. Some positions may be filled through external recruitment agencies or staffing pools established by the Public Service Commission.
If you are a recent graduate, consider programs such as the DND Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative or the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) to gain federal experience. Some departments also participate in the Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Initiative for underrepresented groups. Always check the specific competition notice for eligibility requirements, language requirements, and security clearance criteria.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for occupational health and safety positions at DND, subject to operational needs and management approval. Many civilian employees in this occupational category work full-time; however, some positions may be advertised as part-time or term-based depending on workload and project requirements.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common across the federal public service following pandemic-related changes. Depending on the specific duties and your manager's approval, you may have the opportunity to perform policy development, research, and administrative work from home, while site visits, assessments, and stakeholder meetings may require in-person attendance at DND facilities.
Flexible scheduling options such as compressed work weeks, job sharing, and staggered hours may be negotiated with your manager, provided they do not compromise service delivery or safety responsibilities. As a civilian employee in the federal public service, you also have access to benefits such as paid leave, telework provisions under the Treasury Board Directive on Remote Work, and support for work-life balance. Specific arrangements should be discussed during the hiring process and throughout your employment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
