As a Project Assistant, you will provide essential administrative and organizational support to project teams within the Department of National Defence. You will work alongside project managers and team members to ensure projects stay on track, deadlines are met, and communications flow smoothly. Your attention to detail and organizational skills will directly contribute to the successful delivery of defence initiatives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include scheduling meetings and managing calendars, preparing project documentation and reports, tracking project timelines and deliverables, coordinating communications between team members and stakeholders, maintaining project files and records, and assisting with budget tracking and administrative tasks. You may also support the preparation of presentations, coordinate logistics for meetings and events, and help monitor project progress against established timelines.
You will work in a professional, collaborative environment within the DND civilian workforce. Depending on your posting, you may work in a headquarters office, a regional centre, or at a defence establishment. The role offers exposure to various defence projects and initiatives while working with dedicated professionals committed to supporting Canada's defence and security.
Key Responsibilities
Perform project management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
A secondary school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement. Many successful Project Assistants hold a college diploma in business administration, office management, project administration, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education in project management or business studies.
Key certifications that enhance your career prospects include the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or certificates from recognized project management training programs. Government of Canada employees have access to professional development opportunities through departmental learning programs. Once hired, you may pursue training in project management tools, software systems used within DND, government policies and procedures, and communication skills. Continuous learning is encouraged, and many employees work toward project management certifications while employed.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Project Assistant career in the DND civilian workforce through several pathways. The primary route is through a Public Service Commission (PSC) staffing process. Competitions are regularly advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal DND career portals when positions become available.
Student and recent graduate programs, such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign or the Co-op Student Program, offer entry opportunities for those completing their education. Lateral moves from other administrative roles within the federal Public Service are also possible, allowing you to transition into project-focused work.
If you're currently a Public Service employee in another department, you may apply through internal competitions or use priority hiring processes if eligible. Contract positions and term positions sometimes lead to indeterminate employment once budget and staffing circumstances permit. We encourage candidates to create a profile on the Government of Canada Job Bank, monitor DND career postings regularly, and contact DND Human Resources for information about upcoming competitions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Project Assistant positions, subject to operational requirements and departmental approval. Many DND locations support flexible hours, allowing you to adjust your start and end times within core business hours while maintaining full weekly hour commitments.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government. Depending on the specific project and location, some Project Assistant duties can be performed remotely, particularly administrative tasks, document preparation, and virtual meeting coordination. However, some in-person presence may be required for file management, in-office meetings, or project team collaboration.
Job-sharing arrangements are sometimes available and can be explored with your manager and Human Resources. Work-life balance is a priority within DND, and employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their supervisors during the hiring process and throughout their employment. Availability of these arrangements depends on the specific position, team needs, and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
