NAV Canada is hiring air traffic controllers and you can make over $190K without a degree
You'll get on-the-job training and be paid throughout!
Ready to keep Canada's skies safe?
If you've been considering a career change and are interested in a high-paying job opportunity to match your sky-high ambitions, why not consider a career with NAV Canada?
NAV Canada is currently hiring flight service specialists and air traffic controllers, and both types of roles come with seriously competitive salaries. The pay range minimum for these roles is over $46,000, while the maximum is a whopping $193,660, so there's plenty of money to be made if you're the right fit!
There are also a whole bunch of benefits on offer, including medical, dental and a pension, as well as training courses and more.
You don't need any specific experience or a degree-level education to apply, as NAV Canada will provide all the training you'll need. You'll also get paid to learn, with a salary kicking in as soon as you get started. After you've completed the training program, your salary will increase to reflect your new role.
While you don't need a background in aviation or a degree to qualify, you must have skills like excellent judgment, clear communication, keen listening skills, a good memory, and superb problem-solving and decision-making abilities. No prior work experience is needed, although it's worth keeping in mind that these roles are notoriously competitive!
You must also be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You'll also need to be ready to undergo a medical exam, security check, and drug testing (including cannabis), and you must be available for training after successfully completing the recruitment process. Language requirements vary by region, with bilingualism in French and English required for roles in Montreal.
What's more, although NAV Canada has over 100 sites across the country, you must be prepared to relocate if needed for these roles. While that might seem a big ask, remember that you could get paid almost $200,000 for the privilege.
If you're interested in a career in air traffic services, here's everything you need to know about the specific roles available and how much you can get paid.
Area controller
Training Salary: $54,710 to $57,259
Qualified Salary: $133,974 to $193,660
Company: NAV Canada
Who Should Apply: As an area controller (also known as an instrument flight rules (IFR) controller), you'll be managing air traffic from one of NAV Canada's Area Control Centres (ACCs), directing aircraft safely through Canadian airspace.
Training involves three phases: initial training, specialty training, and on-the-job training, lasting anywhere from 20 to 27 months. After training, you'll work at one of the ACCs located in major cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, or Montreal.
This role demands sharp decision-making and constant situational awareness, but the rewards are sky-high.
Tower controller
Training Salary: $54,710 to $57,259
Qualified Salary: $97,327 to $193,660
Company: NAV Canada
Who Should Apply: As a tower controller (also known as a visual flight rules (VFR) controller), you'll oversee the airport and aircraft directly from the control tower, using radio communication to provide instructions and clearances.
Training for this role is "rigorous" and includes classroom and simulator sessions, followed by on-the-job training. All in all, you can expect the training period to last between 12 and 27 months. After training, you'd be stationed at one of 42 airports across Canada.
The expectations are high (as is the tower), but that hefty salary might just make it all worthwhile.
Flight service specialist - airport advisory services (AAS)
Training Salary: $46,862
Qualified Salary: $75,483 to $118,953
Company: NAV Canada
Who Should Apply: As an AAS flight service specialist, you'll be the go-to person for pilots needing essential information like runway selections and vehicle movements on runways and taxiways.
Training is thorough, with classroom learning, simulator practice, and on-the-job experience, usually completed within 8 to 11 months. Once your training is completed, you'll work in one of the flight service stations located in 54 communities across Canada.
If you're detail-oriented and would enjoy being at the heart of airport operations, this role could be a perfect fit.
Flight service specialist – flight information centre (FIC)
Training Salary: $46,862
Qualified Salary: $89,765 to $114,468
Company: NAV Canada
Who Should Apply: As an FIC flight service specialist, you'll provide crucial flight-planning services and detailed weather information to pilots flying through Canadian airspace.
The training includes classroom sessions, simulator work, and a pilot briefing course, lasting 9 to 11 months in total. Post-training, you'll be based in one of the FICs located in places like Kamloops, Whitehorse, Edmonton, London, or Quebec City.
If you have strong analytical skills and can interpret complex data, this position might be your perfect match.
Flight service specialist – international flight service station (IFSS)
Training Salary: $46,862
Qualified Salary: $84,999 to $109,710
Company: NAV Canada
Who Should Apply: As an IFSS flight service specialist, you'll be responsible for providing critical information to pilots navigating international airspace.
The training process includes classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and on-the-job training, typically completed within 8 to 11 months. Upon qualification, you'll work at an international flight service station, playing a key role in global aviation safety.
For those who thrive in high-pressure environments, this role is a great opportunity.
For flight service specialist candidates posted to remote locations (which would be communicated after initial training), NAV Canada pays a relocation incentive in addition to the annual salary: $3,000 for the first year, $5,000 for the second year, and $7,000 for the third year.
There's no listed closing date for these roles, but don't wait if you think you're a fit as these roles are highly competitive. Good luck!
This story has been updated since it was originally published in August 2024.