Benefits of a Career with the Department of National Defence

Whether you are a recent graduate beginning your career or an experienced professional looking for a change, there are many good reasons to consider Department of National Defence (DND) as a potential employer.

Attractive Compensation Package

DND is part of the Public Service of Canada. As such, it offers an attractive total compensation package that includes a fair salary, excellent medical and dental plans, pension benefits, flexible work arrangements, safe and healthy work environments, vacation and many other types of leave.

Fair Salary

The Public Service of Canada offers fair and, for some occupational groups, very competitive salaries. Visit the Treasury Board Secretariat’s rates of pay at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/ratesofpay/ra97_e.asp for specific salary information.

Generous Benefits

Indeterminate (and some term employees) are generally entitled to:

• dental and health care plans, with coverage for you and your family for prescription drugs, vision care, paramedical practitioners, and hospitalization;
• disability insurance, which provides income protection for employees who are unable to work for a lengthy period because of a totally disabling illness or injury;
• a competitive pension plan designed to meet the needs of Public Service employees in various situations at retirement. The benefits available to you will depend on your age, the years of service to your credit, and in some cases, the reason your employment is ending; and
• a death benefit designed to protect your family during the years you are building your pension by providing a benefit equal to twice your annual salary in the event of your death.

Flexible Work Arrangements to Help Balance Personal and Professional Life

We know it’s important for you to be able to balance your work and home life. That’s why, depending on the type of work you do, DND offers possibilities for flexible hours, a compressed workweek and alternative work arrangements such as telework. In a survey conducted by the federal government in 2002, 73% of DND respondents said they could balance personal, family and work needs in their current job.

Vacation Leave and Holidays

While specific entitlements are defined in various collective agreements, in general, employees have:

• 15 days of paid vacation leave after one year;
• 20 days after 8 years;
• 25 days after 18 years; and
• 30 days after 29 years.

In addition, there are 11 paid statutory holidays each year.

Many Other Types of Leave

A variety of leave types are available to DND employees as part of the Public Service of Canada. The main ones are:

• 15 days of paid sick leave per year;
• up to 5 days of leave with pay for family-related responsibilities per year;
• paid leave for other situations such as marriage and bereavement;
• education leave;
• self-funded leave;
• parental leave;
• leave for the care of pre-school age children;
• leave for personal needs; and
• leave for the long-term care of a parent.

Employment Security and Mobility

DND provides employment security for its employees to the greatest extent possible. If a job is no longer required, it is our policy to minimize the impact on the employee by providing a guarantee of a reasonable job offer when continuing alternative employment is available or expected in the foreseeable future. If we can’t find something within DND, we expand our search to include the Public Service of Canada as a whole. Where such a guarantee is not possible, employees are offered various options, including financial compensation.

As an additional benefit, should your spouse be relocated, we try to find you a job in the same location.

Because of its size and diversity, DND can offer a wide range of employment opportunities in all regions of Canada. Want to cast your net even wider? You also have the ability to move between the more than 75 federal government organizations employing more than 150,000 people. With DND you have the kind of job mobility that very few other employers can offer.

Opportunities for Continuous Learning

DND is committed to maintaining an educated and knowledgeable workforce and offers a vast array of learning opportunities. These learning opportunities will enhance your work satisfaction, help you build a successful career and increase your employability. We encourage you to take training that will help you stay current with, and even at the forefront of your field.

Learning opportunities include courses in the latest technology, in communication and interpersonal skills, in cultural sensitivity, in management and in leadership. We also offer training in both of Canada’s official languages. You may also attend conferences and workshops to continue your development. Other learning possibilities include a selection of professional development programs and a Departmental Scholarship Program designed to give you financial assistance in obtaining a first degree.

You may be asked to take on the special projects, short term assignments or a job other than your own for a period of time, and in doing so, you will get the opportunity to do some hands-on learning, develop new skills and get experience that will help you secure that next desired position or promotion.

Committed to Employment Equity

As a member of the Public Service of Canada, DND is committed to being representative of the population it serves. We actively recruit members of the employment equity groups (visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and women). We do what we can to eliminate any barriers, both during the application and selection processes and after appointment. For example, tests are available in alternative formats, test duration may be adjusted to special needs, specific technological aids or working arrangements can be provided, and your work area can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.