As a Shipping and Receiving Clerk with the Department of National Defence, you play a vital role in managing the movement of goods and materials throughout the supply chain. You are responsible for receiving, inspecting, sorting, and shipping items to ensure that personnel across DND have the equipment and supplies they need to accomplish their missions. Your work directly supports military operations, training activities, and day-to-day departmental functions.
Your daily responsibilities include verifying incoming shipments against purchase orders, checking for damage or discrepancies, organizing materials for storage or distribution, and preparing outgoing shipments for delivery. You maintain accurate records of all transactions, manage inventory systems, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations and safety protocols. You may operate material handling equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks, and you'll coordinate with suppliers, internal customers, and logistics teams to keep the supply chain moving smoothly.
You'll work in a warehouse or supply depot environment, which may include exposure to various weather conditions, physical activity, and safety-sensitive operations. The work is methodical and detail-oriented, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to accuracy. You may work standard hours or shift schedules depending on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Perform warehouse services 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 for a Shipping and Receiving Clerk position with DND, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require or prefer post-secondary training in logistics, supply chain management, or warehouse operations.
Key certifications that enhance your qualifications include a forklift operator certification, which is often required or highly valued. First Aid/CPR certification and Working at Heights certification may be necessary depending on the specific work location. Many DND positions provide on-the-job training in departmental procedures, inventory management systems, and equipment operation.
Once employed, you'll have access to professional development opportunities through the Public Service Learning Program, including courses in supply chain management, supervisory skills, and specialized warehouse certifications. DND also supports employees pursuing relevant credentials such as the Canadian Professional Logistics Institute (CPLI) designations.
Entry Plans
You can enter the DND civilian workforce as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk through several pathways. The most common route is through open public service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and are based on merit.
If you're a current Government of Canada employee, you may be able to apply for advertised positions through internal competitions or lateral moves if you have relevant warehouse or supply chain experience. The Public Service Commission also maintains staffing pools for similar positions that may be drawn upon to fill vacancies more quickly.
Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) can provide entry pathways if you're a full-time student, and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) may apply if you're a recent graduate. Indigenous candidates may have access to additional recruitment initiatives supporting Indigenous employment in the federal public service.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Shipping and Receiving Clerks at DND vary depending on operational requirements and the specific location. Many warehouse and supply depot positions operate on standard full-time schedules; however, some facilities may offer opportunities for part-time work, particularly during peak periods or at certain locations.
Shift work is common in this role, with positions sometimes requiring early mornings, evenings, or weekend hours to maintain continuous warehouse operations. Remote work is not typical for this position, as your role requires a physical presence in the warehouse or supply depot to handle materials and equipment.
To explore part-time or flexible arrangements, discuss your needs with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. Existing employees may also request flexible work arrangements through their manager, subject to operational requirements and collective agreement provisions.
