Overview Personnel Selection Officers are members of the military who apply behavioural science knowledge and procedures to evaluate factors that affect working relationships. They provide professional advice to military commanders in the areas of recruiting, selection, leadership, performance appraisal and other human resource issues.
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 Setting Personnel Selection Officers work in a variety of settings, from an office environment at a headquarters or base to operational tours abroad in support of CAF missions.
At the base level officers conduct interviews and aptitude tests, compile source information, and assess the suitability of individuals for commissioning programs, subsequent assignments, and appropriate military occupations. Officers may be assigned to a base after training, with relocation commonly required. Reserve Officers typically work part‑time from a local unit, usually one night per week and some weekends, with the option for full‑time duty.
Entry Plans The required education 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, and consideration will be given to applicants with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Foreign education may also be accepted. The CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training.
Training After enrolment, officers begin 12 weeks of basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, covering military knowledge, leadership principles, regulations, weapons handling and a rigorous physical fitness program.
Following basic training, second‑language training may be offered (2–9 months), and officers attend the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre to learn interview techniques, counselling, career transition and first‑career facilitation.
Officers then complete on‑the‑job training at a base and may receive additional courses, including Unit Personnel Selection, Organizational Consulting, Advanced Personnel Selection and graduate training in Industrial and Organizational 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 serve primarily at their home unit, fulfilling scheduled evenings and weekends, and may also serve full‑time at some units. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates and receive a reasonable benefits package.
Reserve Officers can volunteer to deploy on missions within or outside Canada and may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army or Royal Canadian Air Force.
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📌 Personnel Selection Officer (British Columbia)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 British Columbia