Staffing and Resourcing Assistants support the human resources function within Department of National Defence (DND) workplaces by helping to manage recruitment, staffing processes, and personnel administration. You will work as part of a larger HR team, assisting with tasks that keep staffing operations running smoothly across various DND locations and units.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include processing staffing documentation, maintaining personnel records, coordinating recruitment activities, scheduling interviews, and providing administrative support to HR professionals. You'll work with staffing competitions, pools, and appointment procedures, ensuring that all paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. You may also help prepare reports, track staffing metrics, and communicate with candidates and hiring managers throughout the recruitment process.
You'll work in a professional office environment, typically within a DND HR office or staffing unit. This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in human resources while supporting the important work of building and maintaining an effective civilian workforce across Canada's Department of National Defence.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver staffing and resourcing 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 high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary education in business administration, human resources, or office management, though this is not always required. Strong typing skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word), and experience with databases are valuable assets.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in DND-specific staffing procedures, collective agreement provisions, and federal hiring regulations. You may have the opportunity to pursue professional certifications through organizations such as the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA) or the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). DND supports ongoing professional development, and you may be encouraged to take courses in HR management, labour relations, or public service staffing as your career progresses.
Entry Plans
Entry into this role typically happens through a public service staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank or through internal DND recruitment channels. Competition postings are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You may also enter through a staffing pool—a group of pre-qualified candidates that DND can draw from to fill vacancies more quickly.
If you are already working within the federal public service, you may be able to apply as an internal candidate, which can give you an advantage in some competitions. DND also participates in student and graduate recruitment programs, such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign and Co-op Student programs, which provide pathways into civilian careers. Some candidates move laterally from other government departments or advance from administrative assistant or clerical positions within DND. Staying informed about job postings on the DND Civilian Workforce careers website and the Government of Canada Job Bank is the best way to learn about current opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Staffing and Resourcing Assistant positions in many DND locations, depending on operational needs and management approval. Many HR offices operate during standard business hours (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM), which can make this role suitable for flexible scheduling.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal public service in recent years. Depending on the specific position and DND location, you may be able to work from home for some or all of your week, provided you maintain regular communication with your team and can attend in-person meetings when required. Work-from-home eligibility and frequency will be discussed during the recruitment process and finalized with your manager based on the needs of the staffing unit and departmental priorities. Job postings will indicate whether remote work is available for each specific position.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
