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 skilled advice to military commanders, particularly in the areas of recruiting, selection, leadership, performance appraisal and other human resource issues.

The primary responsibilities of a Personnel Selection Officer are to:

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 a variety of settings, from an office environment in a headquarters or base, to operational tours abroad in support of CAF missions. Personnel Selection Officers initially work at the base level conducting interviews and aptitude tests, and compiling other sources of information to assess the suitability of individuals for commissioning programs, subsequent assignments, and appropriate military occupations.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While some flexibility with regards to postings exists, relocations may be required. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit and will typically work part‑time on a weekly basis, with no obligation to relocate.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options





The required education for this position is a Master’s degree in a social science, such as Psychology or Industrial Relations. Other graduate degrees may be considered based on related experience. Consideration will be given to applicants who have an undergraduate degree in Psychology. The ideal candidate will already have a graduate degree; the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training
After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the CAF, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities are also provided to apply newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is an integral part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered, which may take from two to nine months depending on your ability in your second language.

Personnel Selection Officers attend the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre in Borden, Ontario, where they learn to conduct interviews, evaluate and counsel individuals concerning military service, military occupational training and employment, special training and employment,



resettlement, academic upgrading and orientation. They also learn to conduct Second Career Assistance Workshops and provide career counselling for military members transitioning to the civilian workforce.

Personnel Selection Officers are posted to a base to complete several months of on‑the‑job training, gaining experience in practice, theory, knowledge and skills required of the job under the supervision of a more senior member.

Personnel Selection Officers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:

Unit Personnel Selection

Organizational Consulting

As they progress, Personnel Selection Officers who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

Advanced Personnel Selection

Graduate training in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Social Psychology

Industrial Relations

Sociology

Part‑Time Options
This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time at an Air Force Wing in their community and may serve while attending school or working a civilian job. They are paid during their training and typically do not have to move. They may volunteer to relocate or serve on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Personnel Selection Officers may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force. They provide professional advice to military commanders regarding recruiting, selection, leadership, performance appraisal and other human resource issues. When employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at CAF bases, wings, home ports and units within Canada.

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📌 Personnel Selection Officer (Ontario)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Ontario