Do you consider yourself nosy? Or do you love people-watching while sitting on a patio? Well, that trait doesn’t have to be just a pastime; you can turn it into a six-figure salary.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is currently hiring in Toronto, and you don’t even need a university degree to be eligible.
These are high-paying jobs that offer flexible requirements in terms of education and experience, while some require a strong understanding of using social media platforms.
CSIS is seeking sharp minds, innovative thinkers, and people with experience on the internet to fill several openings, where you can earn up to $120,000 per year.
Are these the kind of roles you’re looking for? If so, check out two of the most exciting CSIS jobs available right now, and what it takes to apply.
Tactical Internet Collection Officer
Salary: $99,392-$120,917
Company: Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
Who Should Apply: You should only apply for this role if you are a Canadian citizen.
This role is all about uncovering real-world threats online. You’ll be tasked with collecting, analyzing, and reporting on digital activity using open-source intelligence, scouring public spaces such as social media, forums, and websites to identify suspicious behaviour and flag potential risks to national security.
You’ll be expected to:
- Use CSIS guidelines to dig into online information, make sense of what you find, and turn it into valuable intelligence with the right tools and techniques.
- Track specific subjects, spot new leads, and help identify potential targets and sources of intelligence.
- Keep up with active investigations, follow online trends, and track how persons of interest use both new and established social media platforms.
- Collaborate with CSIS teams to figure out what intel they need, dig into the data, explain your findings in plain language, and keep reports up to date.
To apply, you should have:
- Strong experience with researching, analyzing, and writing reports based on online sources.
- Familiarity with how to use social media platforms and smartphone technology.
- A high school diploma with eight years of relevant experience, or a college diploma with six years of relevant experience, or an undergraduate degree and four years of experience.
Here are some skills that would help you in your application, but aren’t required:
- The ability to read and understand a foreign language.
- A familiarity with open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods and resources.
- Previous experience proposing, developing, or implementing innovative methods to enhance investigative processes and results.
- Advanced education, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, may be measured as relevant experience.
There are several stipulations to qualify for this role. In addition to being a Canadian citizen, you must also pass a thorough security screening (including a polygraph) and keep your application confidential. CSIS requests that you only disclose it to your partner or close family.
The deadline to apply is September 8, 2025.
Apply on the CSIS website
Surveillance Officer
Salary: $77,427-$94,177
Company:Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
Who Should Apply: This role is open only to Canadian citizens.
If moving in the shadows like James Bond, Jason Bourne, or Ethan Hunt excites you, this entry-level role is perfect. As a Surveillance Officer, you’ll tail suspects on foot or by vehicle, gather intelligence, and remain unnoticeable while blending into your surroundings.
You’ll be expected to:
- Collect and analyze information relevant to surveillance operations.
- Prepare reports and document the information you’ve gathered.
- Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Be flexible by working nights and weekends.
- Travel for work, based on operational needs.
To apply, you should have:
- Either a university degree or a college diploma with two years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience.
- A valid, permanent G-class driver’s licence.
- At least six years of experience driving, especially in a variety of conditions, including city, rural, and adverse weather.
- Experience working effectively in a team environment.
Before starting as a Surveillance Officer, you’ll need to complete a 16-week training course Surveillance Officer Training Course (SOTC) in Ottawa. It’s an intense, pass/fail program, and you only get one chance to complete it. However, don’t worry — all temporary relocation costs are covered.
Just like the other role, this one requires a top-secret security clearance, which includes a background check, polygraph test, and interview, so expect a thorough screening process. And again, keep your application under wraps; only share it with your inner circle.
In addition to your base salary, you may qualify for a Surveillant Allowance, which is 12% of your annual salary (ranging from $86,718 to $105,478). However, this allowance isn’t available while you’re in the SOTC; you’ll start receiving it once you successfully complete the course and are certified.
The deadline to apply is October 1, 2025.
Apply on the CSIS website
Best of luck with your application, and don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us!
This story was adapted from the article “CSIS is hiring in Montreal and you could get paid up to $120K to be nosy AF,” which was originally published on MTL Blog.
