Border Services Officer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Immigration, Employment Insurance and Revenue Officers (1228) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Immigration, Employment Insurance and Revenue Officers (B318) 
• 2011 NOC: Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers (1228) 

Border services officers protect Canadian society, the environment, and industry. They prevent illegal items (such as drugs, firearms, obscene material, and other prohibited goods) from entering the country. They also guard against diseases (human, animal, and plant) that could threaten Canada’s well-being.

Border services officers enforce about 90 laws and regulations. They inspect goods imported for personal or commercial use. They deal with the public at airports, seaports, railway stations, and highway crossings. As the first official contact for newcomers, they serve as goodwill ambassadors.

In general, border services officers:

• examine documents and interview travellers and importers
• detain people who may pose a threat to Canada
• deny entry to people who are not allowed in Canada (such as those involved in terrorism, organized crime, war crimes, or crimes against humanity)
• examine personal and commercial shipments
• monitor the movement of goods
• stop illegal goods from entering or leaving the country
• assess taxable value on imported goods
• apply duty and sales taxes and collect fees
• stop banned or hazardous products from entering Canada
• investigate problems and enforce regulations
• educate members of the public
• use computer databases to extract or input sensitive information
• arrest anyone who is breaking laws (under the authority of the Criminal Code, Customs Act, and Immigration Refugee Protection Act).

Border services officers work at:

• highway and rail border crossings
• postal plants
• international airports and seaports
• inland offices.

They may work shifts because ports of entry are open all day, every day. They may need to travel, work overtime, or work in remote areas. They should be prepared to work anywhere in Canada.

Border services officers need to possess:

• an interest in law enforcement
• self-confidence
• physical fitness
• good speaking and listening skills
• the ability to make decisions
• good people skills.

They should enjoy:

• following and applying laws, policies, and procedures
• analyzing information (to determine admissibility)
• working with their hands.

Border services officers work for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

With experience, they may compete for positions in:

• supervision
• management
• administration
• investigations
• intelligence
• detector dog services
• compliance verification ­– trade
• client services – trade
• program services
• international operations.

Border services officers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1228: Immigration, employment insurance and revenue officers. In Alberta, 95% of people employed in this classification work in the Public Administration [pdf] industry.

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the Public Administration industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canada Border Services Agency website, become a CBSA officer: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.