Overview

As a member of the military, Signals Intelligence Specialists intercept and analyze electronic transmissions, including foreign communications. They also protect Government of Canada computer networks.

A Signals Intelligence Specialist has the following responsibilities:

• Collect, process, analyze and report on electromagnetic activity on radio frequency, using highly sophisticated equipment
• Manage and protect computer networks
• Ensure information technology is secure
• Use and maintain classified publications

Work environment

Signals Intelligence Specialists work with extremely sensitive information in a high-security, restricted-access facility. They typically work in shifts; however, they also have frequent opportunities to work regular business hours and can be deployed around the world.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Grade 10 applied math or math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Signals Intelligence Specialists attend the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario, for 45 weeks. Using a combination of theory instruction, demonstrations, practical work and simulation exercises, it covers the following:

• Signals Intelligence mathematics
• Communications rules and procedures
• Radio direction-finding
• Communications data systems
• Operation of auxiliary equipment

Signals Intelligence Specialists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• High-Frequency Direction-Finding Operator
• Mobile Research Operator
• Satellite communications
• Foreign languages
• Computer network support
• System administration
• Morse Code Operator

As they progress in their career, Signals Intelligence Specialists who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Signals Development Operator
• Linguistic Operator

Part time options

Reserve Force members generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force members train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize their skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.

Typically, Reserve Force members work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package. There are two units with Signals Intelligence Specialist positions, one in Ottawa and the other in Kingston Ontario. Signals Intelligence Specialists work in a highly secure environment with restricted access, handling extremely sensitive information.

Related Careers

• Intelligence Operator
• Intelligence Officer
• Communication and Electronics Engineering Officer