Personnel Selection Officer

Overview As a member of the military, Personnel Selection Officers apply behavioural science knowledge and procedures to evaluate the factors that affect working relationships. They provide professional advice to military commanders, particularly in the areas of recruiting, selection, leadership, performance appraisal and other human resource issues.

Primary Responsibilities

Assess applicants to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and recommend training

Recommend CAF members for special training

Support professional development, accreditation and transition programs

Conduct applied and advanced behavioural research

Conduct occupational analyses

Teach military leadership, management and behavioural science courses

Train Military Career Counsellors in interviewing techniques, personnel assessments and counselling techniques

Write selection policy, design selection instruments, and develop selection assessment processes

Engage in strategic human resource concept design, planning and coordination

Work Environment Personnel Selection Officers work in various settings, from an office environment at a headquarters or base, to operational tours abroad supporting CAF missions.

Initially they work at the base level conducting interviews and aptitude tests, compiling other sources of information to assess the suitability of individuals for commissioning programmes, subsequent assignments and appropriate military occupations.

For a career in the Regular Force, there may be relocations; a primary reserve member works part‑time in a specific reserve unit, typically one night per week with occasional weekends, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry Requirements

Master’s degree in a social science such as Psychology or Industrial Relations (other graduate degrees may also be considered based on related experience).

Consideration will be given to candidates with an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Foreign education may be accepted.

The CAF will decide if your academic programme meets the criteria and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training programme after basic training.

Training After enrolment, you attend basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks, covering general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations, weapons handling, first aid and a rigorous physical‑fitness program. Basic officer training is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic training, optional official second‑language training may be offered, taking two to nine months depending on your ability.

Personnel Selection Officers then attend the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario, learning how to conduct interviews, evaluate and counsel individuals regarding military service, occupational training and employment, special training, resettlement, academic upgrading and orientation. Additional training includes Second Career Assistance Workshops and career counselling for members transitioning to the civilian workforce.

After a period of on‑the‑job training at a base, officers may develop specialised skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including Unit Personnel Selection, Organizational Consulting, Advanced Personnel Selection, graduate training in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Social Psychology, Industrial Relations and Sociology.

Part‑time Options This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at various locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time at their home unit with scheduled evenings and weekends, and may also serve in full‑time positions for fixed terms. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates, receive reasonable benefits and may qualify for a pension plan.

Reserve members may volunteer for deployment on military missions within or outside Canada and may practice at CAF bases, wings, home ports and units in Canada.

Related Careers

Health Services Management Officer

Social Work Officer

Legal Officer

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