NAV CANADA Flight Service Specialist

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Guiding Safe and Informed Flight Across Canada

Coast-to-coast-to-coast, our flight service specialists are based at the flight information centres and flight service stations across Canada, from urban areas to remote locations. Flight service specialists can pursue three different career paths: airport advisory services, flight information services, or international flight services.

Current OpportunitiesOpen a new window

Work at a Flight Information Centre

Flight service specialists at flight information centres provide a range of vital services. Their main responsibility is to interpret weather data to provide critical briefings to pilots across Canadian airspace. They also process flight plans, track aircraft movements, and coordinate search efforts for overdue flights. Equipped with 3D visualization, they convey safety updates about runway status and airspace changes.

Up to $119,047

Annual Salary

Up to $48,737

Annual Training Salary

5 Locations

Edmonton, Kamloops, London, Quebec, and Whitehorse.

Work at a Flight Service Station

Based at flight service stations, flight service specialists provide airport advisory services to pilots during critical phases of their flights. Using leading technologies, they coordinate real-time traffic, communicate runway conditions, and arrange emergency assistance for a variety of customers, including flight schools, medical services, and more.

Up to $120,178

Annual Salary

Up to $48,737

Annual Training Salary

More than 50 Locations

Mont Jolie, Thompson, Churchill, Wabush, Sept-Iles, and many other locations.

Work at the International Flight Service Station

Based at the International Flight Service Station, flight service specialists support aircraft operating over international and oceanic airspace, including the busy North Atlantic. Often known as Gander Radio, this service plays a critical role in global aviation by providing long-range communications, relaying safety information, and monitoring aircraft beyond radar coverage. Using specialized communication systems, specialists receive position reports, coordinate with air traffic control units around the world, and assist pilots with weather updates, routing information, and emergency support—helping ensure safe and efficient flights across international boundaries.

Up to $114,099

Annual Salary

Up to $48,737

Annual Training Salary

1 Location

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, is home to Canada's International Flight Service Station.

Preflight
No matter where a plane is departing from, the pilot may contact a flight information centre to receive relevant information regarding safety and operations, deliver their flight plan and obtain a weather briefing. This weather briefing, along with other critical information, will give the pilot an idea of the conditions in the local area or along the flight path, preparing them for the journey ahead.
Departure
At an airport serviced by a flight service station, flight service specialists provide vital departure airport advisory services to the pilot that take into consideration local air traffic, runway conditions, weather and other relevant safety information. The flight service specialists paint a picture of the ground and the air conditions to help pilots make safe and informed decisions.
Enroute
While in the enroute phase of flight, flight service specialists can give pilots information about their flight path, ensuring they are aware of any relevant changes. The flight crew may also contact a flight information centre for updates on the weather or any other information liable to affect their flight.
Approach
As aircraft approach the mandatory frequency area for landing, flight service specialists are in communication with pilots, monitoring their movements visually and, at many units, through surveillance technologies. Information delivered during approach will be directly related to the local area, including unexpected weather or traffic changes, and relevant procedures for the site.
Landing
At airports with airport advisory services, flight crew may contact flight service specialists for airport advisory services related to conditions and local traffic on the runway and around the airport. They create an efficient flow of traffic for aircraft ranging from local flying schools to charter planes to medevac aircraft.

If aircraft are overdue, flight service specialists at either the flight information centre or flight service station will coordinate searches.

Map

Satelite

Omar Madane

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Station, Val-D'Or

“What surprised me the most about being a flight service specialist is how dynamic the role is. Every day brings new situations that challenge your decision-making, and the teamwork across units makes it incredibly rewarding.”

Angeline Horak

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Information Centre, Kamloops, British Columbia

“The training is intense, but the support is next level. You’re never alone in it, and once it clicks, it’s incredibly rewarding! You leave every day proud of what you’ve done and excited to come back. That’s rare, and it’s what makes this place special. If you’re curious, capable, and want your work to matter, this is it.”

Émile Sabourin

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Station, Kuujjuaq, Quebec

“It was my dream to work up north after completing my training, but I was a bit nervous about working in a new community. When I first started, the team was warm and welcoming, so it made me feel like this is where I belong.”

Natalie Hiscock

Flight Service Specialist Team Supervisor, Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador

“As a flight service specialist, I’m surrounded by high achievers who love teamwork and problem solving. There have been ample opportunities to expand my operational and leadership skills. Checking out of training is just the start of your career taking flight.”

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A female flight service specialist with a headset smiles at the camera while seated in front of multiple screens displaying maps and flight data.

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The NAV CANADA flight inspection aircraft sits on a snowy tarmac with other planes and the airport building in the background.

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A male flight service specialist sits at a large workstation with multiple screens showing maps and flight data.

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A flight service specialist works at his console in a flight service station with a view of a snowy landscape at dusk.

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A small propeller plane taxis on a runway in a valley with forested hills in the background.

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Two flight service specialists wearing headsets work together in a flight service station at night.

Information synthesis

Clear verbal communication skills

Highly motivated

Teamwork and Memorization skills

Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities

What We Require

Be 18 years or older at time of application
Have a high school diploma, or equivalency, at the time of application
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Meet the language requirements (fluently bilingual in English and French for the Montreal Flight Information Region, including the National Capital Region; English for all other regions)
Be willing to relocate to the location of training and/or work
Be available to start training full time within 18 months of application

Flight Service Specialist Training

Training to become a flight service specialist at NAV CANADA is demanding but highly rewarding. In this role, you’ll learn to interpret and communicate vital information that improves flight safety. The learning curve can be steep, but we prepare you for success through a dedicated instructional team, acclaimed peer support programs, and the latest technology. Below, you’ll find details about what this training involves, including its duration, schedules, work locations, and training allowances.

Learn more

Students receive a training salary throughout the duration of the program
It’s an intensive full‑time commitment involving mandatory classroom instruction, simulator work, and on‑the‑job training
You don’t need prior aviation experience — NAV CANADA provides all the training necessary for the role

Flight Service Specialist

Guiding Safe and Informed Flight Across Canada

Omar Madane

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Station, Val-D'Or

Angeline Horak

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Information Centre, Kamloops, British Columbia

Émile Sabourin

Flight Service Specialist, Flight Station, Kuujjuaq, Quebec

Natalie Hiscock

Flight Service Specialist Team Supervisor, Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador

Clear verbal communication skills

Highly motivated

Teamwork and Memorization skills

Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities

What We Require

Flight Service Specialist Training

Frequently Asked Questions