CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.
Do not discuss your application with others (including on social media) besides your partner, or close family members - who should also be reminded about the need to be discreet.
If you already applied to the February 2026 Human Intelligence Officer tabloid (26-968-08-019) you do not need to submit an application to this process.
Reference Number
26-968-08-080
Who Can Apply
Canadian Citizens
Location
Halifax, Fredericton, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver
Salary Range
$87,459 - $120,917
(Maximum $106,386 during the developmental program.)
Status
Indeterminate (permanent)
Language Requirement
Various
CSIS is looking for dedicated individuals to staff the Human -Intelligence Officer position in its various regional offices across Canada.
Intelligence Officers play a central role at CSIS. Human -Intelligence Officers conduct intelligence collection as regional investigators connecting with people across communities. Human -Intelligence Officers are at the heart of the CSIS mandate as the country’s foremost HUMINT intelligence organization and are the driving force behind CSIS operations, collecting the raw intelligence required to meet the Government of Canada’s intelligence priorities. The role of a Human -Intelligence Officer is unique, and it is key to shaping the future of national security. These Intelligence Officers are responsible for investigating threats to national security and managing challenging and complex situations in the face of ambiguity. They work in collaboration with colleagues, other agencies and our international allies to find opportunities to disrupt these threats. Whether it is to stop a terrorist or catch a foreign spy, no two days are alike.
Human -Intelligence Officers come from diverse social and educational backgrounds, and they require a common set of skills in order to be successful in their role. This includes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, the ability to analyze and make sense of large amounts of information, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely with a high level of accuracy, even while under pressure and time constraints. Human -Intelligence Officers have very strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a natural ability to build rapport and trust with people. They require high levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to understand and motivate others. Human -Intelligence Officers are often required to make their own difficult tactical decisions in the field, all while respecting the rule of law and human rights. Additionally, they must be resilient, comfortable with the unknown, persistent in the face of challenges, and able to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment. By virtue of their work, Human -Intelligence Officers have access to highly classified and controlled information, and are involved in sensitive intelligence operations. As such, their honesty, integrity, and reliability must be beyond reproach.
- The key responsibilities of a Human-Intelligence Officer are to identify, assess, develop, recruit and handle human sources from all cultures and backgrounds. Displaying respect, perspective taking and understanding what motivates people is critical in these interactions.
- Human-Intelligence Officers must be able to write clear, concise and accurate reports documenting their collection efforts and to comply with all of the administrative requirements of the job.
- Completed Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree
The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.
If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense through a recognized credential assessment service.
Work experience in each of the following:
- Conducting complex assessments. Complex is defined as comprising several factors which make the situation difficult.
- Handling difficult situations. Difficult situations are defined as challenging or unexpected circumstances, conflicts, or problems.
- Working in a team.
- Knowledge of the CSIS mandate, the CSIS Act, and the Government of Canada’s intelligence priorities regarding the security of Canada.
- An awareness of both national and international current events and an understanding of how they relate to the CSIS mandate.
- Critical Thinking
- Communication (oral and written)
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Integrity
An asset qualification is a qualification which can enhance the ability to perform the work based on current and future business requirements, but which is not strictly required. Positions will be staffed based on the selection decision principle and operational priorities.
- Previous experience in areas of including working for the Government of Canada, particularly in the fields of national security, intelligence, enforcement, or defense
- Previous experience in client service roles which entail interacting with the public, social work and related fields
- Previous experience conducting investigations
- Knowledge of language (s) other than French and English
- Personal experience travelling or residing abroad or interacting with people from different backgrounds.
- Human -Intelligence Officers must be comfortable working flexible work hours and being physically out of the office and in the communities with which they work, sometimes not reachable for periods of time.
- Human-Intelligence Officers must be comfortable working flexible work hours and being physically out of the office and in the communities with which they work, sometimes not reachable for periods of time.
- Training: Candidates must complete the Human-Intelligence Officer Course (HIOC) twenty-week entry training as a condition of employment. The training will prepare the HIO to engage in collection activities in the region. Training takes place in Ottawa, and includes one trip back to the home region. Expenses are covered by the Service per the National Joint Council travel directive. Employees are considered on travel status while in Ottawa for training (unless they currently live in the National Capital region).
- Training consists of classroom and scenario-based learning and is formally evaluated. Training mainly occurs during business hours, but some over-time may be required.
- Mobility: Human-Intelligence Officers must be willing to relocate within Canada during their career. CSIS may transfer an employee anywhere within the organization in order to meet its organizational requirements.
- HumanIntelligence Officers must be willing to travel as required. Assistance and financial support will be provided in line with policy.
- Candidates must complete a minimum of 2 years in their first regional placement.
- Driver’s License: A valid Canadian driver’s license* is a prerequisite to apply. Obtaining and maintaining a valid Canadian driver’s license is the sole responsibility of each applicant.
- A valid Canadian driver's license is defined as a G Class (Ontario) or minimum of a Class 5 (remainder of Canada). G1, G2, Class 7, Class 6, Learner's etc. will not be accepted.
- Occupational health evaluations will be required for the following categories:
- Vision (corrected vision accepted)*:
- Corrected Visual Acuity (ensures adequate vision for critical detail and safety tasks): Minimum 20/30 in each eye.
- Field of Vision (necessary for situational awareness): Minimum 150° horizontal; 20° above/below fixation.
- Colour Vision (required for rapidly distinguishing safety indicators, warning lights, tradecraft visual signals, collect accurate visual information, etc.): Correctly identify at least 17 of 21 Ishihara plates
- Eye Health (Mitigates risk of sudden or progressive visual impairment): Free from ocular disease that impairs visual performance.
These tests are readily available at any optometrist.
Hearing (corrected hearing accepted)*
Better Ear (Possibility of using hearing aids):Hearing loss
Various Language Requirements:
- Bilingual Imperative (various profiles; Capital Region (CR) and Quebec Region (QR))
- English Essential
This selection process may be used to staff anticipated vacancies or other similar positions with various language requirements. Therefore, we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Second language evaluations may be offered to candidates. For more information on language requirements: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/language-requirements-candidates.html
- Knowledge of the second official language is an asset (not a requirement) in unilingual regions (BC Region (BCR), Toronto Region (TR), Prairie Region (PR), Atlantic Region - Halifax
You are invited to visit Canada.ca for tips on how to submit a powerful application: www.canada.ca/en/security-intelligence-service/corporate/csis-jobs/how-to-submit-a-powerful-application
Although the entry training course will take place at National Headquarters in Ottawa, applicants should apply to the Regional Office of their preferred geographical location. Applicants interested in working in our Gatineau office, should apply to Capital Region.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate in their resume and cover letter how they meet each Education and Experience criteria.
- Provide concrete examples which illustrate how you meet each experience criteria.
- Include where, when and how each experience criteria were acquired.
- For your education, please indicate the name of the institution attended and specify the diploma or degree obtained.
- Any asset criteria (if applicable)
Examples can include, but are not limited to, work experience, student placements, paid or unpaid internships, community experience, life experience or travel experience.
Applicants must also note in their cover letter if they would like to work in a different Regional Office than the one they currently reside in.
Available regional offices: Halifax, Fredericton, Quebec City, Montreal, Gatineau, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
It is important to please keep your cover letter clear and concise. Please limit it to two (2) pages.
The assessment process involves numerous steps, including completing a series of standardized tests, a written test, and competency-based interview(s) where your knowledge and experience will be assessed. If successful, you will be invited to complete additional job specific exams as well as attend our in-person Assessment Centre (AC) for evaluation prior to undergoing a security clearance process.
Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in a full day assessment process in Ottawa. This day will include writing tasks, scenarios, role plays and table top exercises. Assistance and financial support will be provided in line with policy.
Assessment Attempts:
As of 2026 04 01, applicants will have a maximum of two attempts to meet the testing standards for the assessments listed below:
- Standardized tests
- Written Communication Test
- HIO In-person assessments
Candidates have two total attempts for each of the three steps listed above, across all recruitment processes that use these assessments. The standardized tests and written test are currently used for both the National Case Officer and the Human-Intelligence Officer processes. The HIO In-person assessments are only used in the Human-Intelligence Officer process.
If a candidate does not meet on their first attempt, they must wait a minimum of one (1) year for their second and final attempt. If they reapply before the one-year period has elapsed, their application will not be retained.
Assessments prior to 2026 04 01 do not count towards the two-attempt limit.
While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, most roles in our organization require an in-office presence. However, alternative options may be available for certain positions, depending on their specific requirements.
CSIS is committed to diversity and inclusion and the equitable participation of all Canadians. Should you require accommodation, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.
Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.
CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.
CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. Gaps have been identified among Indigenous peoples and visible minorities for this position. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.
Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.
CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.
The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.
