As a Procurement Clerk with the Department of National Defence, you will play a vital role in managing the supply chain and supporting the procurement process. You will assist in the purchasing of goods and services needed by DND units and organizations across Canada and internationally. Your work ensures that military personnel and civilian staff have the equipment, supplies, and resources they need to accomplish their missions effectively.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include preparing purchase orders, maintaining inventory records, processing supplier invoices, and coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders. You will use specialized procurement systems and databases to track orders, monitor delivery schedules, and resolve supply issues. Attention to detail is essential, as accuracy in procurement documentation directly impacts operational readiness and financial accountability.
You will work in an office environment, typically within a supply section or procurement office at a DND facility. You will collaborate with military personnel, other civilian employees, and external suppliers. This role offers the opportunity to develop expertise in government procurement processes and contribute meaningfully to Canada's defence operations.
Key Responsibilities
Perform procurement functions per GC procurement policies, Process requisitions, contracts, and procurement documents, Manage vendor relationships and monitor contract performance, Maintain asset and inventory records
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Procurement Clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent (Grade 12). Some positions may accept applicants with relevant work experience in lieu of formal education.
Key competencies include proficiency with computer systems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. You should have good written and verbal communication skills and be detail-oriented.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in DND procurement systems, policies, and procedures. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities, including courses in procurement practices, supply chain management, and relevant software systems. Many Procurement Clerks pursue professional certifications through organizations like the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) to advance their careers. DND supports continuous learning through access to training programs and educational leave.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Procurement Clerk career in the federal Public Service through several pathways:
**Open Competitions**: DND regularly posts Procurement Clerk positions through the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.canada.ca). These competitions are open to all eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other protected persons.
**Centralized Hiring Pools**: The Treasury Board Secretariat maintains centralized pools of qualified candidates for procurement positions across the federal government. If you are successful in a pool, you may be appointed to DND without competing in additional competitions.
**Student and Graduate Programs**: DND participates in federal student employment programs, offering opportunities for high school and post-secondary students to gain work experience during school breaks or through co-op placements.
**Lateral Moves**: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may transfer to a Procurement Clerk position through internal staffing processes.
**Priority Hiring**: Veterans and Indigenous peoples may have access to priority hiring initiatives when applying for DND positions.
To apply, you will need a Social Insurance Number, valid Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, a valid security clearance (or willingness to obtain one), and the ability to pass a medical assessment. We encourage you to create an account on the Government of Canada job portal to receive notifications about available positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Procurement Clerk positions at DND, depending on operational requirements and the specific work location.
**Part-Time Work**: Many DND facilities offer part-time Procurement Clerk roles (typically 17.5 to 30 hours per week). These positions are ideal if you are balancing other commitments, such as studies or caregiving responsibilities.
**Flexible Hours**: Depending on your work unit's needs, you may be able to negotiate flexible work schedules, such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start and end times, while maintaining full-time status.
**Remote Work**: Some procurement duties can be performed remotely, particularly administrative tasks involving database entry, order processing, and document preparation. However, the extent of remote work available depends on your specific position and supervisor approval. Most roles require at least some in-office presence for coordination with colleagues and supplier meetings.
**Job Sharing**: In some cases, DND supports job-sharing arrangements where two employees share one full-time position.
Flexible work options are negotiated between you and your manager based on operational needs and business requirements. We encourage you to discuss accommodation options during the hiring process or after appointment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
