Surveillance Officer at Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) | Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS)

Job Summary

Join the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) as a Surveillance Officer : Make a Difference in the Lives of Canadians

Are you looking for a career that takes you out of the office and into the community? Do you want to be part of a team that investigates and reduces threats to Canada's national security? If so, we want to hear from you!

As Canada's primary intelligence organization, CSIS is committed to keeping Canada's interests and Canadians safe. We recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences to reflect the communities we protect. From coast to coast, we hire the best that Canada has to offer, and we are exceptionally proud of our people and our work.

About The Role

As a Surveillance Officer, you will play a critical role in gathering timely and sensitive intelligence. You will conduct discreet surveillance operations on foot and in a vehicle, using specialized equipment and techniques. You will work in a fast-paced environment that requires expertise and a high level of situational awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct discreet physical surveillance (in a vehicle and on foot);
• Research and analyze information pertaining to surveillance;
• Draft reports and detail information gathered;
• Carry out several tasks simultaneously.

Education

• Undergraduate degree and two (2) years of experience* or
• College diploma and two (2) years of experience* or
• High school diploma and four (4) years of experience*

The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense through a recognized credential assessment service.

Experience

• Experience* working in an environment that requires relationship building and teamwork.
• A minimum of six (6) years of experience driving motor vehicles on a regular basis in various driving conditions (city, rural, weather events).

Knowledge

Knowledge of the CSIS mandate, the CSIS Act , and the Government of Canada’s intelligence priorities regarding the security of Canada.

Competencies

To be successful as a Surveillance Officer, you will need to demonstrate the following competencies.

• Ability to Learn
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Judgement
• Stress Management
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication (Oral and Written)
• Organizational Skills/Multitasking

By possessing these competencies, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Surveillance Officer and make a valuable contribution to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

Official Language (OL) Proficiency

Various Language Requirements

• Bilingual non-imperative (BBB/BBB)
• English Essential (E/E)
• French Essential (F/E)

This selection process may be used to staff anticipated vacancies with various language requirements. Therefore, we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Second language evaluations will be offered to candidates. For more information on language requirements: ( www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/language-requirements-candidates ).

Notes

If you need accommodations during the recruitment process, please mention it to the HR representative.

Organizational considerations

• Employment Equity (EE) criteria
• Overtime
• Shift work / weekend / working nights
• The need to travel (based on operational needs). Assistance and financial support will be provided in line with policy.

Assessment Process

There will be four (4) assessments for this process to assess observation and memory skills, driving skills and candidate’s experience and competencies. If unsuccessful at any of these assessments, we will not be able to pursue with your application.

• Memory and Observation test
• Writing Skills test
• Road Evaluation for Drivers (RED)
• Surveillance Skills test (SST)

Once all evaluations are successfully completed, a competency-based interview will be used to assess candidates’ experience, knowledge, and competencies.

Note: Assessment results for the Memory and Observation test & the Writing Skills test are valid for six (6) months. Candidates that have completed the 6-month period are eligible to apply again. Assessment results for the Road Evaluation for Drivers (RED) & Surveillance Skills Test (SST) are valid for twenty-four (24) months. Candidates that have completed 24-month period are eligible to apply again.

What We Offer

• 12% Surveillance Allowance after successful completion of the Surveillance Officer Training Course (SOTC)
• Comprehensive training program, including a 14-week SOTC in Ottawa
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• A dynamic, secure and supportive work environment

Candidates who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups are invited to self-declare when applying.

Gaps have been identified among persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and women for this position.

Reference Links

• Salary Grade Breakdown

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Others

Important

We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly, as we will be reviewing and screening applications on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. Federak Workforce Adjusted employees are encouraged to apply for available positions and clearly indicate in their WFA status on their cover letter.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. Gaps have been identified among Indigenous peoples and visible minorities for this position. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.

CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.

The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.

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2026-08-06