Air Traffic Control (ATC) Careers - Montreal Flight Information Region (Quebec and National Capital) (YUL FIR)

Job Posting Title

Posting End Date

Job Posting Language Requirement

Pay Range Minimum

Pay Range Maximum

Job Summary

Job Description

Thinking about a career in Air Traffic Services? Take this quick self‑assessment quiz to help you understand the realities of the role and whether it fits your career goals.

Our Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for coordinating the safe, efficient and orderly flow of air traffic in 7 flight information regions (FIRs), working in NAV CANADA sites across the country. This application is for Air Traffic Controller positions in the Montreal FIR.

Area Controllers, also known as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) 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 are trained and work at their assigned ACC, which for this position is the Montreal ACC.

Tower Controllers, also known as VFR (Visual Flight Rules) 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 the 42 towers located across the country. 7 of the 42 towers are in the Montreal FIR: St-Honoré, Québec, Ottawa, St-Hubert, St-Jean, Mirabel and Montreal.

Want to find your calling?

We’re making NAV CANADA a place where everyone truly belongs, where everyone thrives and where everyone is heard.

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 the best part... we pay you to learn! Training is paid for and provided by NAV CANADA, and you will also receive a salary during training.

Air Traffic Controller - Area Controller (IFR) qualified salary $139,333 to $201,407

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: $56,899 - $59,550

• Average total duration for training: 20 to 27 months

• Qualified IFR controllers will also receive a premium of $5,290 to $51,318 per year.

Air Traffic Controller - Tower Controller (VFR) qualified salary $101,221 to $201,407

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

• Training salary: $56,899 - $59,550

• Average total duration of training: 12 to 27 months

• Qualified VFR controllers will also receive a premium of $5,290 to $51,318 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 

• A high level of resilience

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, prescreening interview, and an assessment centre which includes 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.

For this competition, we will be holding assessments for candidates in Montreal in the fall. To learn more, you can visit the Air Traffic Services FAQ. 

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. Applicants for this job poster must be willing to relocate to any of the Montreal Flight Information Region locations listed for IFR and VFR controllers;

• Able to meet our language requirements: Bilingual (English and French) for the Montreal Flight Information Region.

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

Training Location

Time Type

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.