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Job SummaryAt NAV CANADA, we’re experts in navigating Canada’s skies. Helping pilots safely cross 18 million square kilometers of Canadian and North Atlantic airspace is what we do.

Our Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for coordinating the safe, efficient and orderly flow of air traffic in 7 flight information regions, working in NAV CANADA sites across the country.

IFR (instrument flight rules) Controllers (or Area Controllers) are based out of Area Control Centres (ACCs), each of which is responsible for air traffic in a large section of Canadian airspace. Area Controllers train and work out of the 7 ACCs which are in Vancouver (Surrey), Edmonton (Leduc), Winnipeg, Toronto (Mississauga), Montreal (Dorval), Moncton (Riverview), or Gander.

VFR (visual flight rules) Controllers (or Tower Controllers) have a direct view of the airport and aircraft, and use radio communication to issue instructions and clearances. After completing training, tower controllers work at one of 42 airports across Canada.

Want to find your calling?

We’re making NAV CANADA a place where everyone truly belongs, where everyone thrives and where everyone is heard. To do that, we want to work with as many different types of people as possible.

If you’d love to shape the future of air navigation, we’re currently looking for motivated individuals to take on the responsibility of managing Canada’s airspace as Air Traffic Controllers. You do not require any prior specialized training or experience. And what’s best... we pay you to learn! The training is paid for and provided by NAV CANADA, and you will also receive a salary during training.

Job Description

Air Traffic Controller - Area Controller (IFR) qualified salary $133,974 to $193,660

Training includes three phases: initial training, specialty training and on the job training. Both initial and specialty training include classroom and simulator portions.

• Training Salary: $54,710 - $57,259

• Average total duration for training: 20 to 27 months

• Qualified IFR controllers will also receive a premium of $5,086 to $49,344 per year.

Air Traffic Controller - Tower Controller (VFR) qualified salary $97,327 to $193,660

Training includes two phases: initial training (classroom and simulator) and on the job training.

• Training salary: $54,710 - $57,259

• Average total duration of training: 12 to 27 months

• Qualified VFR controllers will also receive a premium of $5,086 to $49,344 per year.

Think you have what it takes?   

To make sure we’re hiring the best possible people, our recruitment and training processes are rigorous and highly competitive. Here are some of the qualities we look for in our Air Traffic Controller students:  

• Clear verbal communication skills

• Memorization skills 

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities 

• Excellent teamwork skills 

• Ability to multi-task 

Our selection process is quite challenging in order to thoroughly assess candidates for the core competencies required to be an Air Traffic Controller. This includes cognitive testing for the required competencies, pre-screening interview, and an assessment centre which include individual and group exercises. You can learn more about the different steps HERE. Please note the in-person assessments are held in each region based on operational requirements. They are typically held at our area control centres and require several hours to complete.

Other application requirements: 

To apply for a career as an Air Traffic Controller, you must meet the following basic requirements prior to applying: 

• Be 18 years or older, 

• Have a high school diploma, or equivalency, 

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 

• Prepared to undergo a medical, security check, and drug testing (including cannabis), 

• Ready to start training after successful completion of the recruitment and selection process: NAV CANADA has many sites across Canada. All applicants must be willing to relocate to any of the locations listed for IFR controllers and VFR controllers.

• Able to meet our language requirements:

  • Gander Flight Information Region: English

  • Moncton Flight Information Region: English

  • Montreal Flight Information Region: Bilingual (French and English)

  • Toronto Flight Information Region: English

  • Winnipeg Flight Information Region: English

  • Edmonton Flight Information region: English

  • Vancouver Flight Information Region: English

To learn more about the job of an Air Traffic Controller, please visit the NAV CANADA website.

Training LocationEdmonton ACC, Gander ACC, Moncton ACC, Montreal ACC, Toronto ACC, Vancouver ACC, Winnipeg ACC

Time TypeFull time

The successful candidate must meet the security requirement of the position and be legally able to work in Canada.

At NAV CANADA, safety is our priority. We require pre-employment drug screening for all candidates offered positions designated as safety sensitive and business critical in accordance with NAV CANADA’s Drug and Alcohol policy.

NAV CANADA is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily and clearly on the subject line of their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

NAV CANADA is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise the interview coordinator of accommodation measures you may require.