Administrative Officers provide essential support to government operations by managing administrative functions, coordinating schedules, organizing files, and handling correspondence. In the Department of National Defence, Administrative Officers work across various units and establishments, ensuring that daily administrative tasks run smoothly so that military and civilian personnel can focus on their core missions. You will be responsible for managing documents, coordinating meetings, processing applications and requests, and maintaining organized filing systems—both physical and digital. This role is critical to keeping DND operations efficient and professional. As an Administrative Officer, you will work in a structured office environment, typically at a DND location such as a headquarters, base, or wing. You'll interact regularly with military personnel, civilian colleagues, and sometimes members of the public. The work is detail-oriented and requires strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. You'll use standard office software and may work with specialized government systems. Many Administrative Officers find this role rewarding because they directly enable the organization's mission and develop valuable skills in government administration.
Key Responsibilities
Perform administrative support 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
To become an Administrative Officer at DND, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education such as a college diploma in office administration, business, or a related field. Government of Canada language requirements apply—you must meet the required level of English or French proficiency depending on the position. Once hired, DND provides on-the-job training in government systems, policies, and procedures specific to your workplace. You may also have access to professional development through the Public Service Learning Portal, which offers courses in time management, communication, records management, and other administrative skills. Many Administrative Officers pursue Government of Canada certifications or upgrade their credentials through distance education while working. DND encourages continuous learning and may support employees interested in developing expertise in areas such as project coordination or specialized administrative functions.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Administrative Officer career in the federal Public Service through several pathways. The most common route is to apply for open competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank website (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian HR website. These competitions are advertised as they become available and may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates. Some competitions are staffed from established pools of qualified candidates. If you're a recent graduate, you may qualify for the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which targets new graduates for entry-level positions. Students can also gain experience through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or Co-op programs, which can lead to permanent employment. If you're already working in the federal Public Service in a different role, you may be able to transfer laterally to an Administrative Officer position. DND also occasionally recruits Administrative Officers from the Canadian Armed Forces as members transition to civilian employment. It's recommended to check the DND Civilian HR website regularly for current job postings and to create a profile on the Job Bank to receive alerts when positions matching your interests are advertised.
Part-Time Options
Many Administrative Officer positions at DND offer flexible work arrangements, though availability depends on operational needs and the specific workplace. Part-time and job-sharing options are available in some locations, particularly in headquarters environments where administrative functions can sometimes be divided between employees. Remote or hybrid work (a mix of office and home-based work) has become more common for Administrative Officers since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for tasks like data entry, correspondence, and scheduling that don't require constant in-person presence. However, some duties—such as greeting visitors, managing physical files, or coordinating in-person meetings—may require on-site work. Flexible hours and compressed work weeks are sometimes possible depending on your supervisor and workplace needs. When applying for Administrative Officer positions at DND, you can inquire about flexible work options during the application or interview process. Arrangements are typically formalized once you're hired and agreed upon with your manager, taking into account both your needs and the operational requirements of your unit.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
