Join the Labour Relations Team at DND!

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

📢 How does this work?

Step 1: Read the entire advertisement. Want to join our team? Let us know you’re interested! Click “Apply Online”
Step 2: Tell us about yourself! Attach your resume and answer the screening questions in the online application.
Step 3: We will carefully review all of your qualifications. If your talent matches one of our immediate or upcoming opportunities, we may contact you for further information or assessment.
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Creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued begins with self-declaration. Count yourself in and self-declare by identifying to which employment equity group(s) you belong. In order to self-declare, please ensure to indicate this by checking off the appropriate box within the online application as part of the Employment Equity section.
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In line with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) direction, the Department of National Defence (DND) will adopt a common hybrid work model that will see employees work at their designated worksite at least 2–3 days each week, or 40–60% of their regular schedule.

Duties

You’ve been wondering what our Labour Relations Team Leaders and Recourse Specialists at the DND do and are recognized for?

• We find win-win solutions to never boring labour relations situations and drive forward a resolutions-based approach with clients.
• We analyze complex situations and recommend the best approach to resolve issues for the clients, focused on the best interests of the department.
• We are problem solvers and helpers who bring creative innovative solutions to difficult situations, we are people with empathy and a strong sense of values who like to have fun at work!
• We develop strong trusting relationships with our clients and feel the rewards of our expert advice positively impacting their business.
• We collaborate closely with bargaining agent partners in an effort to find solutions to complex scenarios.
• We provide valuable input into process improvement and client service delivery.
• We have a high volume of cases and that does mean that our LR Teams are busy, but it also means that we have a repertoire of templates, case files and guidance documents that serve as an invaluable source of referential information. These resources support your learning and the learning and development of others and integrate into the department to handle any case that comes your way.
• We initiate collaboration across various Human Resources disciplines while managing labour relations files.

Duties of a Team Leader (Stream 1) include:

• Provision of subject matter expertise in Labour Relations strategic operations.
• Supervising and supporting a skilled, talented team of Labour Relations Advisors.
• Assessment of risks to the Department’s interest and well-being of the workplace to support evidence-based decision making.
• Responsible for the file management of complex operational files and supporting team members with operational level file management.

Duties of a Recourse Specialist (Stream 2) include:

• Provision of subject matter expertise in the management of complex grievance, adjudication and other recourse files in order to protect the department’s interests.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex Labour Relations cases to the broader LR community of the department.
• Provide direct representation or assistance to legal counsel and analysts in the adjudication of various employment related matters at various quasi-judicial tribunals.
• Responsible for the file management of complex grievance files and other recourse mechanisms before various quasi-judicial tribunals.

Work environment

In a nutshell, you will obtain the best and most well-rounded experience Labour Relations has to offer across the Federal Public Service! The Department of National Defence (DND) is one of the largest federal government employers, offering over 70 types of civilian career opportunities. DND’s role is to provide services and support to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in their operations and missions at home and abroad. The civilian workforce is an essential part of the Defence Team. Your knowledge and expertise contribute to the overall mission. In this regard, the department fosters a work environment where you have opportunities to learn, to develop your talents, to progress in your career and have job satisfaction over the long-term. Plus, the Labour Relations Operations team at the DND is the most amazing and driven team out there!

What do we offer?

↪ A career amongst a dynamic and dedicated team keen on collaboration and recognition.
↪ Succession Planning supporting opportunities for career advancement.
↪ Opportunities to facilitate training to managers.
↪ Support for part-time second language training for all staff (budget permitting).
↪ Support for work/life balance based on Senior Leadership Pledge on Workplace Boundaries and Expectations.
↪ A diverse, respectful and inclusive work environment committed to our people.
↪ A total benefits package including a competitive salary, health and dental insurance plans, pension plan and a variety of leave entitlements.

Intent of the process

This inventory will be used to fill current and future vacancies in the following streams:

Stream 1 - Team Leader
Stream 2 - Recourse Specialist

A pool of qualified candidates will be established and may be used to staff vacancies with employment tenures, language requirements, security requirements and work locations that may vary depending on the needs of the positions being staffed.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in human resources management, labour or industrial relations, psychology, public or business administration, organizational development, education sciences, social sciences, sociology, or in any other field relevant to the work to be performed.

Notes:

1. Indeterminate incumbents of PE positions and of positions in the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and in Indian Oil and Gas Canada that are equivalent to PE positions on October 1, 1999, who do not possess the education level prescribed above, are deemed to meet the minimum education standard based on their education, training and/or experience. They must be accepted as having met the minimum education standard whenever this standard is called for when staffing PE positions and positions in the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and Indian Oil and Gas Canada that are equivalent to PE positions. This note also applies to persons appointed or deployed, for an indeterminate period, to PE positions after that date as the result of staffing transactions started before October 1, 1999. The positions in the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and in Indian Oil and Gas Canada that are equivalent to PE positions are those that meet the Treasury Board definition for the PE occupational group.
2. The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.
3. An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience, that is comparable to a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization relevant to the work to be performed, may serve as an alternative to meet the minimum education standard. Whenever the minimum education standard is met through this alternative, it is met only for the position being staffed, and candidates must be re-assessed for future appointments or deployments where the manager has decided to use this alternative.

Degree equivalency

Experience:

◻️ Streams 1 and 2 - Team Leader and Recourse Specialist

• Experience in writing documents prepared for senior management* to guide decision-making such as (but not limited to) briefing notes, recommendations to management, reports on key labour relations activities such as misconduct, grievances, administrative investigations, or workplace accommodations.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment, or policies related to workforce management.

* Senior management includes Vice President and/or Director General Level and above.

◻️ Stream 1 - Team Leader

• Experience in providing Operational** level advice and guidance to management related to labour relations matters in a unionized environment.
• Experience in supervising or mentoring employees.

** Operational level advice and guidance includes key labour relations activities such as (but not limited to) grievances, workplace accommodation, misconduct, unsatisfactory performance.

◻️ Stream 2 - Recourse Specialist

• Experience in researching and analyzing jurisprudence in order to make recommendations.

Note: All essential experience qualifications will be assessed in terms of the depth and breadth of activities, the complexity and diversity of work handled, as well as the level of autonomy demonstrated.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements
English or French Essential
Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB
Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

Competencies:

• Demonstrating integrity and respect in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Thinking things through
• Working effectively with others
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented
• Communication

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Experience:

• Experience in working with union representatives in order to resolve issues.
• Experience in mediating or influencing outcomes to workplace conflicts or disputes.
• Experience in delivering training or awareness sessions.
• Experience in researching and analyzing jurisprudence in order to make recommendations.
• Experience in participating in collective bargaining or strike management.
• Experience in preparing cases for review by 3rd party jurisdictions, such as (but not limited to) Provincial Workers’ Compensation Boards, Provincial or Federal Human Rights Commissions, and Grievance Arbitration or Adjudication Boards/Tribunals.
• Experience in working or volunteering in a mixed civilian and military environment.

Organizational Needs:

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities

Information on employment equity

The Department of National Defence is committed to providing an environment where justice, fairness and the elimination of barriers helps build a skilled, diverse and representative workforce reflective of Canada. We welcome diversity in all its forms, promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply. Please note that preference for hiring will first be given to candidates who are members of the above-mentioned designated groups.
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As a result of the relocation of a work unit at Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) in 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, the Department of National Defence is committed to providing access to other work opportunities for AETE- 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta employees. Employees of UIC 2671 – AETE- 4 Wing Cold Lake may be appointed or deployed to positions for which they are qualified ahead of other candidates.
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In support of Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE) initiative #24, consideration may be given to the spouses or common-law partners of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.
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As a result of the reduction of training activities at British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), the Department of National Defence is committed to providing access to other work opportunities for BATUS employees. Employees of UIC 7777 – BATUS may be appointed or deployed to positions for which they are qualified ahead of other candidates.

Operational Requirements:

• Willing and able to travel occasionally within Canada.
• Willing and able to work overtime as required.
• Willing and able to work in a hybrid work environment (combination of on-site and remote work and/or telework).

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

▶ Depending on the position being staffed:
↪ Additional qualifications, operational requirements and/or conditions of employment may be required
↪ Varying degrees of breadth and depth of experience may be deemed essential
↪ Asset qualifications may be invoked as essential qualifications
↪ You may be contacted and asked to submit information or be further assessed

▶ Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

▶ A variety of assessment tools may be used.

▶ Top down selection may be used during any stage of the selection process.

▶ Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
↪ Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
↪ Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
↪ Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
↪ Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.
↪ Organizational Needs.

▶ All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the applicants.

▶ Our organization will only accept on-line applications for this opportunity. Please click “Apply online” to submit your application. Should you have a disability or an exceptional circumstance that requires an alternative application method, please contact us for guidance.

▶ Applicants who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.