Publishing Clerks play an important role in the Department of National Defence's communications strategy by managing the creation, production, and distribution of publications and written materials. Working within the Communications function, you will be responsible for coordinating various aspects of the publishing process, from manuscript preparation through final distribution. This includes liaising with authors, editors, designers, and printing services to ensure that DND publications meet quality standards and reach their intended audiences on schedule.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include organizing and tracking publishing projects, maintaining publication records and databases, preparing materials for printing or digital distribution, and ensuring compliance with government publishing standards and accessibility requirements. You will communicate with internal stakeholders across the department to gather information, clarify requirements, and provide updates on publication status. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential for success in this role.
Publishing Clerks typically work in an office environment at DND headquarters or regional offices. You may interact with a variety of teams including communications professionals, subject matter experts, and external printing vendors. The position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to how the department communicates with its personnel and the public.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver publishing products and services, Draft content for various channels and audiences, Coordinate with stakeholders on messaging and approvals, Monitor and evaluate communications effectiveness
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Publishing Clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary education such as a diploma in communications, publishing, office administration, or a related field, though this is not always required.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training to familiarize yourself with DND systems, publishing workflows, and government communications standards. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities for eligible employees, including courses in project management, digital publishing, graphic design basics, and advanced Microsoft Office applications. Some positions may require or benefit from bilingualism (English and French), and language training is available to employees who wish to develop these skills.
Many Publishing Clerks pursue professional certifications such as those offered by professional publishing or communications associations. These voluntary credentials can enhance your career prospects and keep you current with industry best practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and are typically merit-based, using written assessments, interviews, or both.
The federal Public Service also maintains recruitment pools for clerk-level positions that may include Publishing Clerk roles. If you qualify, you can be placed from these pools into available positions without competing in a new competition each time.
If you are already working in the federal Public Service as a casual, term, or permanent employee, you may be able to apply for internal competitions or lateral transfers. The Public Service Priority System may also provide opportunities if you have been declared surplus from another position.
Recent graduates and students can explore the Federal Student Work Program or Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative to gain experience and potentially transition into permanent positions. Mature workers returning to the workforce and Indigenous peoples may benefit from targeted recruitment initiatives.
Part-Time Options
Publishing Clerk positions at DND typically offer flexibility in work arrangements. Many positions can be structured on a part-time or job-share basis, depending on operational needs and departmental approval. This can include arrangements such as four-day work weeks or shared full-time positions between two employees.
Remote work options have expanded within the federal Public Service and may be available for certain publishing clerk duties that do not require daily on-site presence. However, some tasks—such as coordinating with printing services, managing physical materials, or attending in-person meetings—may require you to work on-site for part of your week. Your specific flexibility options will be determined during the hiring process and may vary based on your team's requirements.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating employee needs where operationally feasible. If you are interested in part-time or flexible arrangements, these topics should be discussed with the hiring manager or HR representative during your application process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
