Staffing Coordinators support the recruitment, selection, and placement of employees across the Department of National Defence. You will work as part of human resources teams to manage staffing processes, coordinate competitions, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board staffing policies and the Public Service Labour Relations Act. This role is essential to building and maintaining a skilled civilian workforce that supports Canada's defence and security objectives.
As a Staffing Coordinator, your day-to-day responsibilities include scheduling interviews, managing competition files, communicating with candidates, coordinating reference checks, and processing staffing documentation. You will liaise with hiring managers, candidates, and other government departments to ensure staffing activities proceed smoothly and on schedule. You may also provide administrative support to HR advisors and contribute to continuous improvement of staffing processes.
You will typically work in an office environment within a DND HR unit or staffing section, though remote work options may be available depending on operational needs. This role offers exposure to federal human resources practices and the opportunity to directly influence recruitment outcomes that strengthen Canada's defence capabilities.
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 a Staffing Coordinator position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates hold a college diploma or university degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, though this is not always mandatory.
Professional certifications are valuable but not required. Consider pursuing credentials from professional bodies such as the Canadian HR Professionals Association (CHRPA) or the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). Government of Canada HR staff have access to Treasury Board learning resources and DND professional development programs to build expertise in staffing legislation, labour relations, and recruitment best practices.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged, including training in Treasury Board staffing instruments, the Public Service Staffing Act, employment equity, and conflict resolution. Familiarity with Government of Canada Human Resources Management System (GCDOCS) and other HR information systems is valuable and often provided on the job.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Staffing Coordinator position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through one of the following pathways:
**Open Competitions:** DND regularly posts staffing coordinator positions on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These are open competitions where Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply. Competitions assess education, experience, and core competencies required for the role.
**Internal Staffing Pools:** If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may apply to internal competitions or be considered from active staffing pools for lateral transfers into HR positions.
**Post-Secondary Student Programs:** DND participates in programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Internship programs, which provide pathways for students to gain experience and potentially transition to permanent positions.
**Lateral Moves:** Employees from other government departments or roles within DND can apply for Staffing Coordinator positions through competitions or internal mobility processes.
Qualification requirements are established by Treasury Board and typically specify education (secondary or post-secondary), language proficiency (English and/or French as per the position), and relevant experience in human resources, administration, or customer service.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Staffing Coordinators are determined by operational requirements and DND's flexible work policies. Many HR administrative roles can accommodate part-time schedules, job sharing, or compressed work weeks, subject to staffing needs and manager approval.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal public service and may be available for Staffing Coordinators, particularly for administrative and coordination tasks that do not require in-person interaction. However, some duties—such as conducting in-person interviews, managing on-site competition logistics, or attending team meetings—may require presence at the workplace.
Flexibility regarding hours and location is best discussed during the recruitment process and with your hiring manager. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance while maintaining service delivery to defence and security priorities. Employees should inquire about specific flexible work options when applying or after being hired.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
