Application, Recruitment & Training
We are looking for the best possible people to take on the responsibility of managing the 18 million square kilometers of airspace under Canada’s control, and as such, the selection process is highly competitive. Due to the variety of expertise and proficiencies required for each role within NAV CANADA, the application and recruitment process can vary across positions.
We are always accepting applications. Regional requirements vary with courses starting two to three times a year in each region, meaning that the time it takes to work through the application hurdles can vary from a couple of months to over a year.
Where Fit is Everything
We're looking for individuals who are the best possible fit for training, the career and the Company. You do not need to have a background in aviation because NAV CANADA providers all the training necessary to become an air traffic control or Flight Service Specialist. Here are some of the qualities we look for in applicants:
- SHARP JUDGEMENT: We need peple who can process a lot of information and make a quick- and correct - decision.
- A CLEAR VOICE AND KEEN HEARING: Communications with aircraft are specific and concise.
- STRONG MOTIVATION: Training is challenging. In order to succeed, you must invest the time necessary to get it right, If you fall behind in training, it will be hard to catch up.
- GOOD MEMORY: In training, you'll need to learn the rules of aviation inside-out. On-the-job, you'll be keeping track of a lot of information at the same time.
- EXCELLENT PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES: When no two days are the same, you need to be able to apply your training to the situationa nd prioritize tasks to ensure safety.
The Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and designed to assess competencies required to be an air traffic service professional. The testing is a multi-stage assessment process:
- Apply: Complete an online application. You’ll provide your personal details, including academic and professional histories.
- Online Assessment: You will complete an online test. Take this cognitive test seriously as it is the first major hurdle. Approximately 40% of applicants are successful at this stage.
- In Person Test: For this step, we invite the top candidates in the pool of applicants from the previous stages. This session can last up to one day and may test competencies such as: communication, memory, working speed, spatial visualization, information processing and simple math.
- In Person Assessment: In this phase, you will attend a session which may include an interview, group and individual exercises, and/or simulation. Be ready to talk about your life, academic and work experience, and why you are interested in this career.
- Selection: Depending on test scores and operational requirements, courses begin 2-3 times a year. You will also be required to satisfy pre-employment conditions such as security clearance, medical and drug testing (including cannabis).
Meeting the Requirements
To apply for a career as an Air Traffic Controller or Flight Service Specialist, you must meet the following basic requirements prior to applying:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have a highschool dipolma or equivalency;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Meet language requirements (a high level of proficiency in English and French for the Montreal FIR (including the National Capital Region), English for all other regions);
- You must meet medical requirements, be prepared to undergo a security check, and be available for training in the next 18 months.
Positions in Air Traffic Services are safety sensitive. As such, offers of employment are subject to pre-employment drug screening (including cannabis).
Where You Might be Posted
The country is broken down into seven flight information regions – Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton and Gander. When you apply, you will select one and at completion of training, are posted to one of the locations within the region.
The location you will work at will depend on which of the four Air Traffic Services careers you choose; tower controller, ACC controller, or a flight service specialist (AAS/FIC). The location you are posted at is based on operational requirements.
See the below map for our site locations:
Meeting the Requirements
To apply for a career as in Technical Operations and Engineering you must meet the following basic requirements prior to applying:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have post-secondary education in a related field;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Meet language requirements (a high level of proficiency in English and French for the Montreal FIR (including the National Capital Region), English for all other regions);
Positions in Air Traffic Services are safety sensitive. As such, offers of employment are subject to pre-employment drug screening (including cannabis).
The Selection Process
The selection process Technical Operations consists of multiple phases to ensure the best chance of success through training and beyond.
- Apply: Complete an online application. You’ll provide your personal details, including academic and professional histories.
- Prescreen Conversation: You will receive a call form a member of our Talent Acquisition team to discuss the opportunities, as well as your experiences and interest in the role.
- Online Assessment: Candidates selected to move on to the interview stage will have the opportunity to meet with team Managers and Talent Acquisition professionals. Our interviews involve both behavioral and situation-based questions and provide a forum for more in-depth dialogue about the positions.
- In Person Interview: Candidates selected to move on to the interview stage will have the opportunity to meet with team Managers and Talent Acquisition professionals. Our interviews involve both behavioral and situation-based questions and provide a forum for more in-depth dialogue about the positions.
- Selection: If you are selected for these opportunities, you will be required to satisfy pre-employment conditions such as security clearance, medical and drug testing (including cannabis).
Meeting the Requirements and the Selection Process
The selection process for careers at NAV CANADA vary as there are different requirements for each position. You are able to locate the requirements of the position you are interested in within our Job Postings
Below is a general outline of what to expect with NAV CANADA's recruitment process:- Apply: Complete an online application. You’ll provide your personal details, including academic and professional histories.
- Prescreen Conversation: CYou will receive a call form a member of our Talent Acquisition team to discuss the opportunities, as well as your experiences and interested in the role.
- In Person Interview: Candidates selected to move on to the interview stage will have the opportunity to meet with team managers and talent acquisition professionals. Be ready to talk about your life, academic and work experience, and why you are interested in this career.
- Selection: If you are selected for these opportunities, you will be required to satisfy pre-employment conditions such as security clearance, medical and drug testing (including cannabis).
Explore opportunities and Apply now