Travel Clerks in the Department of National Defence provide essential administrative support for travel services across the organization. You will manage travel arrangements, process travel claims, and maintain travel documentation for DND employees and military personnel. This role is critical to ensuring that authorized travel is completed efficiently and in compliance with Treasury Board travel policies and DND procedures.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include booking transportation and accommodations, preparing travel authorizations, processing expense claims and reimbursements, and maintaining accurate travel records. You will communicate with employees, travel vendors, and finance teams to coordinate all aspects of travel logistics. You may also provide travel advice to staff regarding policy requirements, available options, and cost-effective solutions.
Travel Clerks work in a dynamic office environment, typically within DND headquarters, regional offices, or military establishments. The work is structured but requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple travel requests simultaneously. You will use specialized travel booking systems, expense management software, and standard office applications as part of your daily duties.
Key Responsibilities
Perform travel services duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most Travel Clerk positions require a high school diploma or equivalent (Grade 12). Some positions may accept candidates with relevant post-secondary education or work experience in administrative, travel, or customer service roles.
Training typically includes on-the-job instruction in DND travel policies, Treasury Board travel directives, and departmental systems and procedures. You will become proficient in travel booking platforms, expense management systems, and financial processing software specific to government operations. Many Travel Clerks pursue the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) credential offered by the Travel Industry Council of Canada, which enhances professional credentials and career mobility.
Continuing professional development is supported through workshops on policy updates, system training, and customer service excellence. As you progress, you may take on supervisory responsibilities or specialize in complex travel arrangements, international travel, or policy compliance.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Travel Clerk position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through Public Service Commission (PSC) competitive recruitment processes. The Government of Canada regularly posts Travel Clerk positions on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca), where you can apply during open competitions.
Candidates may also enter through internal DND competitions if they are already employed in the public service and meet the qualification requirements. Some positions may be filled through lateral moves from related administrative roles within DND or other federal departments. Student work programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI), provide pathways for recent graduates to gain experience and potentially transition to permanent positions.
To be competitive, applicants should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, customer service experience, and proficiency with computer systems. Previous travel or administrative experience is valued, though not always required.
Part-Time Options
Travel Clerk positions in DND offer flexibility suited to the needs of the department and the employee. Many Travel Clerk roles are available on a full-time permanent or term basis; however, part-time and casual positions may be available depending on departmental needs and operational requirements.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become increasingly common in administrative roles within DND. Depending on your location and specific duties, you may have the opportunity to work remotely for portions of the week, particularly for tasks such as processing claims, preparing documentation, and system-based work. Some duties—such as meeting with employees in person to discuss complex travel needs or accessing physical files—may require in-office presence.
Flexible scheduling options, including flexible hours and compressed work weeks, may be negotiated based on operational requirements and collective agreement provisions. Work-life balance initiatives and leave options are available to all eligible DND employees. Specific flexibility arrangements should be discussed with the hiring manager during the recruitment process, as they vary by position and location.
