CSIS is hiring in Montreal and you could get paid up to $120K to be nosy AF

Tactical Internet Collection Officer

Salary: $99,392 – $120,917

Company: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

Aside from sounding like something straight out of a Jason Bourne movie, this job will have you digging through online open sources to track down threats and generate leads.

More specifically, the role involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting on online threat activity using open source intelligence techniques, which might include digging through public internet content (like social media, forums, and websites) to uncover suspicious behaviour and potential threats to national security.

You’ll be expected to:

• Track specific subjects of investigation online, monitor their activities and identify new leads.
• Understand patterns and trends across social platforms and emerging online spaces.
• Collaborate with CSIS’ operational teams to provide intel tailored to their investigations.
• Follow strict policies around online surveillance and privacy.

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry — CSIS is looking for people with investigative curiosity and analytical skills, not necessarily spy gear or a law degree. You’re a strong candidate if you:

• Have experience conducting research and analysis using online sources.
• Know your way around social media platforms and smartphones.
• Can write solid reports based on your online sleuthing.

There are bonus points (called “asset qualifications”) if you can read and understand a foreign language, are really good at using the internet, or if you’ve worked on online investigations before.

In terms of formal education, you can qualify with:

• A university degree and four years of experience
• A college diploma and six years of experience
• Or just a high school diploma and eight years of experience

If you’ve got a Master’s or PhD, CSIS will count those as additional experience too.

The job description does come with a few caveats, though. You’ll need to be a Canadian citizen, pass an intense security screening (there’s a polygraph involved), and you probably shouldn’t tweet about your interview. In fact, CSIS literally asks you not to tell anyone about your application except your partner or close family. So hold off on that LinkedIn update!

Apply Online

Surveillance Officer

Salary: $77,427 – $94,177

Company: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

If you’d rather be out in the field channelling your inner spy movie montage, CSIS is also hiring Surveillance Officers in Montreal.

This one’s a bit more cloak-and-dagger — you’ll be tailing suspects on foot or in a vehicle, gathering intelligence, and staying out of sight while blending into the crowd.

You’ll be expected to:

• Follow people without being seen (think low-key tailing in malls, cars, or on sidewalks).
• Collect and report intel on your targets.
• Conduct research and write detailed reports.
• Juggle multiple tasks at once while staying relaxed and discreet.

The job pays between $77,427 and $94,177, but that’s before the 12% surveillance allowance you’ll get once fully trained — potentially bumping your annual take-home to six figures.

You don’t need a degree for this one either — just a high school diploma and four years of experience. If you do have a degree or college diploma, you can apply with just two years of experience.

You’ll also need a solid driving record, because you’ll be logging serious kilometres, and you’ll need to speak both French and English fluently.

There is a two-year probation period, and you’ll need to pass a 16-week training course in Ottawa (all expenses covered, of course). That said, this isn’t your average desk job. Expect shift work, travel, and a whole lot of discretion.

Like the other role, this one requires passing a top secret security clearance, which includes a background check, polygraph test and interview. So you can expect a pretty serious screening process.

And again, don’t tell anybody outside of your immediate circle that you’re applying.

Apply Online