Job Summary

The Experienced Airport/Aerodrome Air Traffic Controller at the Vancouver Tower is an elite operational role within NAV CANADA, managing one of the most complex and visually stunning airspaces in North America. Based at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you will be responsible for the “Safe, Orderly, and Expeditious” flow of a high-density traffic mix, ranging from massive international wide-body jets to the unique floatplane operations of the West Coast. This role requires the “wit” to maintain split-second situational awareness and the “grit” to manage high-pressure saturation periods in a 24/7 safety-critical environment.

Job Details

Employer: NAV CANADA.
Location: Vancouver Tower, Richmond, BC (On-site/Non-remote).
Position Type: Full-time, Shift Work.
Base Salary: $139,333 to $201,407 CAD.
ATC Premium: $31,523 CAD per year (Level 12, upon successful training completion).
Benefits: Comprehensive health/dental, pension plan, disability, and relocation support.

Core Responsibilities

Traffic Management: Assess and plan the flow of arriving and departing aircraft, applying strict radar and non-radar separation standards to prevent conflicts.
Clearance & Instruction: Issue precise radio instructions to pilots regarding takeoff, landing, taxiing, and altitude changes.
Coordination: Liaise with Area Control Centres (ACCs), Terminal Control, and Flight Service Stations to ensure seamless handoffs between airspace sectors.
Data Integrity: Maintain accurate flight data strips (electronic or manual) to track aircraft progress and intent.
Systems Operation: Monitor and adjust advanced radar, radio, and navigational equipment to maintain optimal situational awareness.
Special Operations: Integrate non-standard flights into the sequence, including military missions, paradrops, RPAS (drones), and NAV CANADA flight checks.
Emergency Response: Act as the primary coordinator during aircraft emergencies, prioritizing distressed flights and alerting emergency services.

Candidate Requirements

Experience: Minimum of 3 years as a licensed Airport/Aerodrome Controller in a complex environment.
Education: High school diploma + completion of a recognized ATC Tower training program.
Medical: Must hold a valid Transport Canada Category 2 Aviation Medical.
Skills: Exceptional “Recall-first” memory, sound judgment, and the ability to listen with intent while multi-tasking.
Clearance: Ability to pass a rigorous security screening and a pre-employment drug test (including cannabis).

Technical Insights: The Vancouver Airspace Challenge

YVR presents a unique “Topographical Puzzle” for controllers due to its geography and mixed-mode operations.

Mixed Fleet Density: You aren’t just managing jets; you are integrating slow-moving floatplanes from the Fraser River and local seaplane bases into a flow of trans-pacific heavy aircraft.
The “Fraser River” Factor: YVR’s proximity to water and mountains creates complex wind patterns and visibility issues (fog), requiring frequent transitions between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
VFR/IFR Integration: You must have the “wit” to weave VFR “special users” (photo surveys/training flights) through a constant stream of scheduled commercial arrivals without disrupting the “expeditious” flow.

Job Description

Do you believe that a world-class career should come with a world-class view? NAV CANADA is seeking Experienced Air Traffic Controllers to join the Vancouver Tower. We aren’t just moving blips on a screen; we are the guardians of Canada’s Pacific gateway, connecting six continents to the West Coast. If you have the “grit” to manage a complex runway intersection during a peak-hour rush and the “wit” to solve 4D spatial puzzles in real-time, Vancouver is your next destination.

In this role, you are a “Safety Strategist.” You understand that behind every flight callsign is a crew and hundreds of passengers relying on your “Integrity-first” judgment. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Air Traffic Services,” ensuring that YVR remains one of the most efficient hubs in the world. We look for elite professionals who thrive in a diverse, inclusive team and are ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly expanding aviation sector.

Joining NAV CANADA means joining an industry leader that invests in your long-term success. With a highly competitive salary, a Level 12 premium, and full relocation support, we make sure your transition to the West Coast is as smooth as your landings. If you are a licensed controller with a commitment to “Vigilance and Precision,” we invite you to apply and make Vancouver Tower your runway to success.

NAV CANADA | British Columbia’s Sky Watchers

NAV CANADA is the private, non-profit corporation responsible for the safety and efficiency of Canada’s civil air navigation. In British Columbia, NAV CANADA manages some of the most complex and scenic airspace in North America, ranging from the bustling trans-Pacific hub of Vancouver to the challenging mountainous terrain of the Interior. As of March 2026, the company is in a phase of significant modernization, recently announcing a partnership with Micro Nav to update its air traffic services training technology.

Regional Operations: The BC Hubs

NAV CANADA’s BC operations are anchored by the “Big Four” distinction, where the Vancouver Tower is considered one of the most elite and complex postings in the country.

Vancouver Area Control Centre (ACC): Located in Surrey, this is the regional nerve center. ACC controllers here manage “Enroute” traffic across the province and far out over the Pacific Ocean, coordinating with international sectors.
Vancouver Tower (YVR): Situated at Vancouver International Airport, this tower handles more than 40 airlines connecting six continents. In 2026, it remains a high-demand site for experienced controllers managing a mix of float planes, helicopters, and wide-body international jets.
Victoria, Abbotsford, and Kelowna Towers: These sites manage high-volume regional traffic, with Kelowna being a critical hub for the growing Okanagan corridor.
Flight Service Stations (FSS): Located in smaller communities like Castlegar, Fort St. John, and Nanaimo, FSS specialists provide essential weather briefings and advisory services for pilots navigating BC’s diverse geography.

Company Culture: “Safety & Shared Purpose”

NAV CANADA’s culture in 2026 is defined by its status as a Top Employer for the second consecutive year.

“Unlock Culture” Strategy: A 2022–2026 strategic priority focused on transforming the workplace through the Shadow Board—a group of 15 employees who meet directly with executives to solve challenges.
Inclusive Leadership: The company has expanded its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, notably introducing Indigenous education bursaries to increase representation in aviation careers.
Operational Resilience: The culture is built on a high-stakes, “Safety Always” mindset where clear communication and sound judgment in complex situations are the ultimate currency.

Associate Benefits: “The Foundation of Success”

In March 2026, a landmark tentative agreement with PSAC members introduced significant enhancements to the already robust benefits package:

2026 Salary Estimates (BC):
- Air Traffic Controller (Experienced): $139,333 – $201,407.
- Electronics Technologist: $56,785 – $117,325.
- New Grads/Trainees: ~$56,000 (with rapid increases upon certification).
Wage Increases: A new 2026 contract provides 18% wage increases over five years, retroactive to 2024.
The “Gold Standard” Pension: A Defined Benefit Pension Plan remains a cornerstone, offering life-long financial security.
Wellness & Leave: * Health & Dental: 100% employer-paid premiums.
- End of Career Leave: Eligibility reduced from 28 years to 15 years of service in the 2026 agreement.
- Mental Health: $1,000 annual practitioner benefit and access to the LifeWorks EAP.
Continuous Learning: High academic tuition subsidies and formal mentoring programs, including the “Leaders of the Future” journey for managers.

2026 Strategic Context: Permanent DST

Effective March 8, 2026, British Columbia transitioned to Permanent Pacific Time, ending seasonal time changes. For NAV CANADA’s BC team, this simplifies long-term flight scheduling and reduces the administrative burden of system reprogramming every spring and fall.

To apply for this job please visit www.navcanada.ca.