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Working at the Canadian Coast Guard

At the Canadian Coast Guard we work to keep mariners in Canadian waters safe. We help protect Canada’s marine environment. We support Canada’s economy by helping trade ships move safely and efficiently. And our presence in Canadian waters helps keep our country secure.

To do this important work we rely on the expertise of our skilled personnel. From our at-sea navigators and engineers to our onshore response specialists, we’re here to serve Canadians.

Find out what makes the Canadian Coast Guard one of the best places to work from coast to coast to coast.

On this page:

Abundance of careers to choose from

We know how important Canada’s waterways are to the day-to-day lives of all Canadians. That’s why we take our jobs seriously. And it’s not just one job but a variety of exciting careers to choose from. Whether you’re into math or cooking, boating or writing, we have an opportunity for you.

Some of our exciting services and jobs include:

Learn more about our important services and programs.

And if engines and gadgets are your thing, we have them all. Whether you want to operate or fix them, we can pair you up with some cool equipment:

Top 10 reasons to work with us

Working for the Canadian Coast Guard comes with both practical and exciting benefits. Here are a few that top the list:

  1. The chance to work in some of Canada’s most scenic and remote places
  2. A variety of careers to choose from, including environmental response, icebreaking, waterways management and more
  3. Dozens of employee networks and communities that you can join, including our Your Professionals Network and Accessibility Network
  4. Excellent benefits including vacation and sick leave, competitive pay and a pension plan
  5. Access to ongoing professional development, top notch training and education programs
  6. Opportunities to work with cool equipment like helicopters, hovercrafts, radars, sonars and more
  7. Being part of an inclusive workforce that values respect, integrity, excellence and teamwork
  8. A health and wellness program that aims to support employees and get them active
  9. Being part of a workplace that is recognized as a top employer in Canada
  10. Gaining a sense of pride and satisfaction in serving your country and making a difference in the lives of Canadians

What our employees say

Our most valuable resource is our employees. Without them, we can’t deliver our essential services for Canadians.

Hear directly from some of our personnel on what they like about working for the Canadian Coast Guard.

“Becoming a commanding officer (or captain) in the Canadian Coast Guard is one of the highlights of my career. We operate our fleet in places that many folks will never see, and experience the country in a way that most cannot imagine.

Sailing a Canadian Coast Guard ship is a chance to directly affect Canadians. From search and rescue cases rescuing mariners from peril at sea, to escorting ships throughout the Northwest Passage, it is an awesome career with so many opportunities.

As the captain we are the responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, responsible for the safety of all those aboard, and the marine environment in which we operate. Another highlight of a life at sea in the Canadian Coast Guard is that many of our seagoing personnel work 4 weeks on and are off work for 4 weeks.”

—Morgan Begg, commanding officer

”What I enjoy most about my position as chief officer with the Canadian Coast Guard, aside from vacations and time at home that comes from an unconventional schedule, is the action that surrounds the position.

As chief officer, I am always at the heart of the ship’s operations. As the captain’s right-hand and head of the deck department, I like to work in a team with different departments, solve problems and find solutions.

In addition to the large amount of hours spent on water aboard the various boats of the ship. In short, a position where all days are different and where we often do not see the time pass.”

—Nicholas Houle, chief officer 

“As a steward, I am responsible for hotel services, dining room service and hygiene and sanitation on board Canadian Coast Guard vessels. My job is varied, dynamic and challenging on a daily basis.

I am part of a team whose mission is to provide major services on the waterways to all Canadians. I have the opportunity to work with people from a variety of disciplines, but also to witness the magnificent scenery.

Focused on customer service, my tasks have an influence on people’s happiness, they make a difference and that is very stimulating.”

—Jean-Sébastien Vaillancourt, steward

From coast to coast to coast

With thousands of employees in dozens of locations across Canada, our footprint is part of our strength. We work and live in the communities we serve.

We have:

These sites are spread out across the country in communities large and small – including a strong presence in the Arctic.

Diversity, accessibility and inclusion

We offer an inclusive workplace where you’ll be valued and respected for the diversity you bring to our team. We’ll help you thrive as a person and a colleague. You will also get to know and work with amazing people because we aim to:

Learn more on our diversity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives.

Workplace Awards

With the Canadian Coast Guard, you’ll be part of a workplace recognized as one of the top employers in Canada. Most recently we’ve been named:

2023

National Capital Region’s Top Employers 2023

The Canadian Coast Guard has been named one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers on February 6, 2023, Mediacorp Canada Inc published the 2023 competition results.

Canada’s Top Employer for Young People 2023

The Canadian Coast Guard is proud to have been recognized once again as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People 2023.

The results were published on the Mediacorp Canada Inc. website on February 6, 2023.

Learn more about us as an employer

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