Personnel Selection Officer

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.

The primary responsibilities of a Personnel Selection Officer are to:

1. Assess applicants to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and recommend training
2. Recommend CAF members for special training
3. Support professional development, accreditation, and transition programs
4. Conduct applied and advanced behavioural research
5. Conduct occupational analyses
6. Teach military leadership, management, and behavioural science courses
7. Train Military Career Counsellors in interviewing techniques, personnel assessments, and counselling techniques
8. Write selection policy, design selection instruments, and develop selection assessment processes
9. 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.

Personnel Selection Officers, or PSOs, are the behavioural science experts in the Canadian Armed Forces. They develop selection standards and processes, leadership development models, and performance appraisal systems. They support the growth and career progress of military personnel at all ranks, helping to ensure the organization has the right people in the right jobs to fulfill its mandate.

Personnel Selection Officers influence the recruitment of new personnel and optimize the fit and potential of serving members by overseeing the selection processes for various personnel plans and programs. They also work closely with all occupations that require specialized selection.

PSOs may also find themselves in teaching positions and act as social cultural advisors to top commanders in the military, providing insights on human dimensions that support decision-making on military missions.

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 applications who have an undergraduate degree in Psychology.