Surveillance Officer

Southwestern Ontario Field Unit, Parks Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal agency is seeking a Surveillance Officer to conduct aerial missions including pollution detection and marine mammal observation. This role requires a strong background in data analysis and proficiency with remote sensor technology. Candidates must possess a secondary school diploma and have approximately two years of operational experience. Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to travel on short notice are essential. The position is based in Ottawa, Ontario, offering competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience operating remote sensors.
• Proficient with Windows OS and Microsoft products.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pollution detection and marine mammal observation.
• Analyze and report data from aerial platforms.
• Operate remote sensors and radios.

Skills

Effective oral and written communication

Ability to work under pressure

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Operational situational awareness

Education

Secondary school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary diploma or degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Remote sensors

Aviation weather products

Job description

Surveillance Officer

Reference number: MOT25J-141000-000070
Selection process number: 24-MOT-EA-HRS-12636
Location: Richmond (BC), Vancouver (BC), Moncton (NB), Ottawa (ON)
Salary: $78,909 to $99,200
Closing date: 1 February 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.

Transport Canada – Aircraft Services is seeking qualified Surveillance Officers to conduct various mission profiles including pollution detection, whale observation, and land‑based infrastructure observation on aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mission profiles such as pollution detection, marine mammal observation, and land‑based infrastructure patrols onboard aircraft.
• Collect, analyze, and report data from aerial platforms.
• Operate remote sensors (radars, UV, IR, EOIR, drones, camera systems, etc.).
• Operate aviation and marine radios.
• Conduct investigations and deliver weather briefings.
• Use aviation weather products for flight planning.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Secondary school diploma (high school) or employer‑approved alternative (e.g., satisfactory PSC test result or equivalent education, training, and/or experience).
• Experience: Approximately two or more years in a related operational environment (aerial, shipboard, field, or shift work). Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting; experience with geographic information systems and spatial data; proficiency with Windows OS and Microsoft products (Word, Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Other qualifications: Post‑secondary diploma or degree in geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, environmental technology, meteorology, aviation, information management or a related field.

Additional Qualifications (may be considered)

• Experience observing, recording, and reporting data from an aerial platform.
• Experience operating remote sensors.
• Experience working in remote areas and with aviation or marine radios.
• Experience conducting investigations and delivering weather briefings.
• Experience using aviation weather products for flight planning.

Operational Requirements

• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, variable day and shift schedules, weekends, and some standby on days of rest.
• Willingness and ability to perform overtime on short notice, up to 14 hours per day.
• Willingness and ability to travel on short notice and possibly for up to 30 days depending on incident location.
• Willingness and ability to undertake training to maintain or upgrade knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Willingness and ability to work in adverse field conditions on aircraft platforms.
• Ability to obtain a valid airport Restricted Area Identity Card and a Restricted Operator Certificate for marine radios.

Language Requirements

English essential; Bilingual imperative (BBB/BBB).

Abilities and Personal Suitability

• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and follow instructions.
• Computer and software troubleshooting skills.
• Operational situational awareness.
• Teamwork, initiative, judgment, analytical thinking, and flexibility.

Security and Employment Conditions

• Secret security clearance required.
• Valid Occupational Health Evaluation Guide (OHEG) for surveillance officers (aerial) medical.
• Valid passport for travel abroad, valid driver’s license.

Contact Information

Shannon Ferguson, Human Resources Advisor, Staffing
Email: atlstaffing‑[e-mail]