As a Staffing and Resourcing Policy Advisor, you will develop, implement, and manage human resources policies and practices that support effective recruitment, selection, and workforce planning across the Department of National Defence. You will play a key role in ensuring that DND's staffing processes are fair, transparent, and aligned with Treasury Board directives and the Public Service Labour Relations Act. Your work will directly impact how the organization attracts, develops, and retains talented civilian employees.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include analyzing staffing trends, advising managers on recruitment strategies, drafting HR policies, and providing guidance on appointment procedures and staffing legislation. You will collaborate with human resources professionals, operational managers, and external stakeholders to ensure policies are practical and effective. You may also conduct research on best practices in workforce planning, compensation, and employee relations to support organizational decision-making.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically at a DND headquarters location or regional office. This role offers the opportunity to influence how the department manages its civilian workforce and contributes to DND's operational readiness through effective human resource management.
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 succeed in this role, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates also hold professional certifications such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or are working toward it. Strong knowledge of federal staffing legislation, Treasury Board policies, and the Public Service Labour Relations Act is essential—this knowledge is often developed through on-the-job training and professional development courses offered by the Public Service Commission and the Canada School of Public Service. DND provides orientation programs to help new advisors understand defence-specific HR requirements. Ongoing professional development through workshops, webinars, and training programs helps you stay current with evolving HR practices and government policies.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are filled through Public Service Commission staffing competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. You may apply as an external candidate (if you have equivalent experience outside government) or as an internal candidate if you are already employed in the Public Service. Some opportunities arise through internal mobility or lateral moves from related HR roles within DND or other departments. The Canadian Armed Forces also offers the Public Service Career Intern Program for recent post-secondary graduates seeking to launch their careers in federal HR roles. If you have relevant experience in human resources, recruitment, or policy analysis in the private or non-profit sector, you may qualify to apply to open competitions without prior government experience. Networking with DND HR professionals and staying informed about staffing actions can help you identify opportunities aligned with your career goals.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are generally available for this position, depending on operational requirements and manager approval. Many DND civilian employees, including those in HR advisory roles, take advantage of flexible schedules, job sharing, or compressed work weeks to balance work and personal commitments. Remote work options have become more common across the Public Service, and depending on the specific posting and work location, you may have opportunities to work from home on certain days or full-time, particularly for policy analysis and research tasks. Requests for part-time or flexible arrangements are typically discussed during the hiring process or once you are in the role. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance as part of its commitment to employee well-being and retention.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
