Cyber Operator

Overview

As a member of the military, Cyber Operators conduct defensive cyber operations, and when required and where feasible, active cyber operations. They liaise and work collaboratively with other government departments and agencies, as well as with Canada’s allies to enhance the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ability to provide a secure cyber environment. They monitor CAF communication networks to detect and respond to unauthorized network access attempts and provide cyber support to meet the operational requirements of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and joint enablers.

Overview

As a member of the military, Cyber Operators conduct defensive cyber operations, and when required and where feasible, active cyber operations. They liaise and work collaboratively with other government departments and agencies, as well as with Canada’s allies to enhance the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ability to provide a secure cyber environment. They monitor CAF communication networks to detect and respond to unauthorized network access attempts and provide cyber support to meet the operational requirements of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and joint enablers.

A Cyber Operator has the following responsibilities:

• Collect, process and analyze network data
• Identify network vulnerabilities
• Manage a computer network environment
• Conduct defensive and active cyber operations
• Apply security and communications knowledge in the field of information technology
• Use and maintain classified and unclassified records and publications

Work environment

Cyber Operators work with extremely sensitive information in a high-security environment, within restricted-access facilities. Cyber Operators are required to work shift work throughout their careers however, they have frequent opportunities for employment in positions that work regular business hours. Cyber Operators serve in the sea, land or air environment, and on deployed operations around the world. They can also be employed in exchange positions as part of the personnel exchange program with United States armed forces or other allied nations.

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

• Required Education
• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

The minimum required education to apply for this position is Secondary high school graduation diploma, Secondary 5 in Quebec, or equivalency including:

• Gr 12 Applied Math or Math 526 / SN 5/TS 5 in Quebec, or,
• Gr 12, or Secondary 5 with Computer Studies, Computer Science or Programming

Part-Time Entry Plan:
We accept applications from individuals with specialized skills, or those who have completed or are currently enrolled in a cybersecurity college program. Please reach out to recru to determine your eligibility.

Future Entry Plan: As part of a phased approach to filling Cyber Operator positions within the CAF, we will soon accept applications from individuals who have already completed a CAF-endorsed college program. For more information, contact your nearest recruiting centre .

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time.

If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the core skills and knowledge common to all military occupations. Another objective for the course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard. As a result, the training is physically demanding.

After your BMQ, Cyber Operators will attend a CAF-approved college program on computer network security. You will receive instruction from civilian instructors on the following topics:

• Software development
• Network Situational…