Civilian Jobs in the Military
By Mark Swartz
Monster Contributing Writer
You can contribute to our country’s military efforts without being a soldier. It’s a way of safely applying your skills to benefit the armed forces.
Canada’s DND (Department of National Defense) has over 20,000 military jobs for civilians. They support our men and women in the CAF (Canadian Armed Forces).
Are you curious about how you might fit into this unique setting?
About The DND
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are two distinct organizations. The CAF employs our country's military personnel: Army, Navy and Air Force.
DND is one of the largest federal government departments. It is part of the Public Service of Canada. DND hires civilian employees to support the CAF. Regular staff of DND are employees of the public service, not the military.
Civilian Employees At DND
24,000 civilians work in the Department of National Defence. They support the more than 75,000 Regular Force and Reserve Force members in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Non-military positions are spread over 40 locations nationwide. Some of the largest civilian populations are in Halifax, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal and on Vancouver Island.
International postings are also available. As a result, DND offers a degree of flexibility and mobility that few employers can match.
DND’s Civilian Jobs
Postings are available in a wide range of occupations at DND. There are nearly 70 types of career opportunities available for civilians.
They include project managers, financial analysts, carpenters, policy analysts and human resources professionals. Electricians, accountants, nurses, communications professionals, and welders too. Also doctors, plumbers, engineers, purchasing managers, intelligence analysts, ship repair personnel, firefighters, dentists and many more.
DND also hires co-op students,Federal Student Work Experience Program(FSWEP) students and recent graduates from a variety of programs.
DND Jobs That Are In Demand
Civilian jobs at DND come with challenge and great benefits. While the Department of National Defence is always on the lookout for good people, there are three job categories in particular that attract particular attention.
General Labour and Trades
DND is looking for skilled tradespeople in locations across Canada. They work in the dockyards of Halifax or Victoria, maintaining CAF aircraft in Winnipeg, repairing tanks in Petawawa and building where needed. In fact, tradespeople make up nearly 50% of the civilian workforce. Experienced journeypersons as well as apprentices are welcome to apply.
Intelligence Analysts
Gathering and analyzing information is a specialty. Analysts gather data from multiple sources (diplomatic reports, news wires, the media, specialist journals and sensitive intelligence materials). They prepare reports and briefings on issues of significance to Canada.
This type of work requires a strong understanding of international relations, politics and government, economics, religion, history, and military strategy and tactics.
Engineers
Imagine working on some of the most sophisticated and complex systems on the planet - ships, aircraft, tanks, sensors, simulators, radars, sonar and communications systems. The Department of National Defence employs over 700 engineers from various fields.
Military Culture
Civilian employees are not in the military so they do not wear a military uniform. However, people take their jobs seriously at the DND and CAF. After all, the work done by civilians there ultimately impacts the effectiveness of our armed personnel.
It’s not surprising that the work environment tends to be professional and orderly. Employees are dedicated and disciplined. Deadlines are expected to be met. You’ll be part of a tightly run ship with a top-down control structure.
During your DND or CAF career, you will come into contact with a great deal of information that is definitely not for publication. Secrecy is an important aspect of the job. Violating it can result not just in dismissal but in prosecution pursuant to the Privacy Act.
How To Apply
Civilian employees of DND are public servants recruited through the Public Service Commission of Canada, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Employment Act. These job opportunities are posted on the Public Service Commission website. A selection of other non-military jobs related to the armed forces is available on Monster.ca.