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Student border services officer

From: Canada Border Services Agency

Student border services officers (SBSOs) work alongside border services officers (BSOs) in rewarding, dynamic and motivating environments where they have the opportunity to make a difference helping to ensure the safety and prosperity of Canada.

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When to apply

The Summer 2024 Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) SBSO job poster will launch on . Apply at Federal Student Work Experience Program (see the "Specialized inventories" section).

Due to the lengthy hiring process, please apply as early as possible. Many hiring managers review applications well before the job poster closes.

Work locations

SBSOs work at international airports, mail processing centres, cruise ship operations and telephone reporting centres in cities across Canada. They do not carry a duty firearm.

  • Alberta: Calgary (Calgary International Airport), Edmonton (Edmonton International Airport)
  • British Columbia: Richmond (Vancouver International Airport, CBSA Mail Processing Centre), Vancouver (Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal)
  • Manitoba: Winnipeg (James Armstrong Richardson International Airport)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's (St. John's International Airport)
  • Nova Scotia: Halifax (Stanfield International Airport)
  • Ontario: Hamilton (Hamilton International Airport and Hamilton Telephone Reporting Centre), London (London International Airport), Waterloo (Region of Waterloo International Airport), Mississauga (International Mail Processing Centre), Ottawa (Macdonald-Cartier International Airport), Toronto (Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Airport)
  • Quebec: Dorval (Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport), Montréal Island (International Mail Processing Centre Léo Blanchette), Québec City (Jean Lesage International Airport)
  • Saskatchewan: Regina (Regina International Airport), Saskatoon (John G. Diefenbaker International Airport)

Employment timeframe

Job opportunities are full-time from end of to early . The work period may vary by location. Continued part-time employment may be possible in fall 2024 and winter 2025.

Hourly rates of pay

SBSOs are paid $16.84 to $34.59 per hour, depending on their current level of study. See Rates of pay for post-secondary school students.

Requirements

To be considered for an SBSO position, you must:

  • be a full-time student registered at a recognized post-secondary institution (CEGEP, college, university)
  • be returning to full-time studies in
  • be of the age of majority in the province where the workplace is located

Employment equity

The CBSA strives to be representative of the population it serves in all its diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. Therefore, candidates from under-represented employment equity groups will be considered ahead of others in the selection process. For more information on employment equity in the federal government, please visit Employment equity – Canada.ca.

Please declare in your application if you identify with one or more of these groups, to ensure your application is prioritized:

  • Women
  • Indigenous (Aboriginal) personsFootnote 1
  • Members of visible minorities
  • Persons with disabilities

Preference may be given to:

  • students studying in a field related to the job, such as: criminology, law, safety/security studies, psychology, sociology, customs border services or police studies
  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the job requirements

Consult the Directive on Student Employment for more information on the Government of Canada's requirements for student employment.

You must also be willing to:

  • wear and maintain a uniform as per the CBSA's Uniform Policy and Standard of Appearance
  • work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
  • work overtime (as required)
  • possess a valid driver's license that allows you to operate a government vehicle (where required)

After applying

If you are considered for employment, we will arrange for you to receive:

  • a secret security clearance
  • a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) (where required) and a medical clearance completed by a physician to confirm your physical ability to perform the duties and training required of an SBSO (where required)
  • training to carry, use and maintain CBSA-issued defensive equipment (where required)

Training

SBSOs receive a combination of classroom and online training, as well as on-the-job coaching and mentoring.

Control and Defensive Tactics training

Successful completion of the Control and Defensive Tactics training may be required to receive an offer of employment. This two-week training is physically demanding and teaches the use of force and the basics of defense and control tactics. To ensure full participation, candidates must be in excellent physical condition to meet the demands of training which safeguards against training injuries.

Recruitment events

To learn more about working as an SBSO, attend one of our SBSO recruitment events. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with current CBSA employees and regional recruiters. These events are typically held from August to October each year. However, this may vary depending on when the job poster opens and closes.

Video: The CBSA hires students

Get a head start on your career and make a difference. Watch the video.

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