Government of Canada Jobs: CBSA Expression of Interest for CR-04, CR-05, AS-02

What This Expression of Interest Really Is

This is not a standard job competition. The Canada Border Services Agency has issued an expression of interest – think of it as a standing invitation rather than a hiring process with a single vacancy. You are not applying for a specific job; you are adding your name to an inventory of potential candidates for future at‑level temporary assignments or secondments within the Southern Ontario Region (SOR). Positions could be in Niagara Falls or Windsor, and there is an onsite presence required under CBSA’s hybrid work model.

The closing date is nearly two years away (June 22, 2027), but that does not mean you should wait. The inventory may be used as soon as positions become available, and applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

The key eligibility gate is that you must currently hold a substantive position at the CR‑04, CR‑05, or AS‑02 group and level (or equivalent) anywhere in the federal public service. This is an internal mobility tool, not a way in for external applicants. If you are a public servant looking to explore a move to CBSA or gain experience in a border environment, this is a straightforward way to signal interest.

Three Signals This Is a Worthwhile Opportunity – with Caveats

Professional Value

The salary ranges are competitive within the federal public service: CR‑04 ($57,217 to $61,761), CR‑05 ($62,533 to $67,699), and AS‑02 ($68,849 to $74,180). These are established rates with step progression, and because this is an at‑level assignment or secondment, you would remain at your current pay level or potentially move to a higher step within the same group. Getting your foot in the door at CBSA can also open longer‑term opportunities within the agency, including possible deployments or lateral moves into other CBSA roles. For public servants already at these levels, this is a low‑risk way to diversify your experience without losing your substantive position.

Work Reality

Day‑to‑day duties will depend on which division you join – Corporate, Programs, and Integration Management – but expect administrative, coordination, and program support work. You will need to be physically present at either the Niagara Falls or Windsor office, following CBSA’s hybrid model. Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and possibly the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Restricted Firearms Safety Course (if the role has a security or enforcement component). The work environment is likely standard office‑based, with the added context of a border agency that operates 24/7. If you are open to relocation or already live in Southern Ontario, the location requirement is manageable. If you are outside that region, this inventory may not be worth the disruption unless you are willing to move.

Screening Reality

The real gate here is simple but narrow: you must already be a federal public servant holding a substantive CR‑04, CR‑05, or AS‑02 position. There are no essential qualifications beyond that – no specific experience or education is listed as mandatory. However, the Agency has a set of asset qualifications that will likely be used to prioritize candidates. These include experience with ATIP files, databases/spreadsheets for tracking, data analysis, CAS/SAP, event coordination, and procurement (including Statements of Work). If you have even one or two of these assets, you are in a stronger position. The language requirement is English essential, so no bilingualism is needed. Security clearance will be either Reliability Status or Secret, depending on the position. Missing an asset is not a screen out, but not having any of them could reduce your chances of being selected from the inventory.

What You Might Miss About This Posting

Several details in the posting deserve close attention:

• It’s not a job offer. This is an expression of interest to create an inventory. You may hear back next month, next year, or never. Do not treat it as a guaranteed opportunity.
• Location is fixed. Onsite presence is required in Niagara Falls or Windsor. There is no mention of remote work or other locations, so if you are not willing or able to work from one of those cities, this is not for you.
• Conditions may include firearms training. The posting notes that some positions may require successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course, plus passing the tests. If that is outside your comfort zone, be aware that it could become a requirement.
• A valid driver’s license is needed for some roles. Not all positions will require it, but if you do not have a license, you may be limited to those that do not.
• Assets are your differentiator. With no essential skills beyond group/level, the assets listed are the main way CBSA will pick among applicants. If you have experience with CAS/SAP, ATIP, or procurement, make sure it is front and centre in your resume.

Red Flags and Reasons to Skip

• External applicants are completely shut out. If you are not a current federal public servant at the required group and level, do not apply. This posting is only for existing employees.
• Inventory language means low immediacy. The Agency may staff positions over two years, or never. You could wait a long time without any feedback.
• No permanent promotion potential. These are at‑level temporary assignments or secondments. You retain your substantive level; there is no immediate path to a higher classification unless a subsequent competition arises.
• Vague duties. The posting gives no description of the actual work beyond the division name. If you are looking for a clear role with defined responsibilities, this may feel unsatisfying.
• Narrow geographic scope. Only two offices in Southern Ontario. If you are based elsewhere and not willing to relocate, this inventory is irrelevant.

For the right candidate – a current CR‑04, CR‑05 or AS‑02 in the region – this is a low‑effort way to explore CBSA. For everyone else, it is a skip.

Your Practical Next Move

If you are a current federal public servant at CR‑04, CR‑05, or AS‑02

Update your resume to highlight any of the asset qualifications: ATIP experience, database/spreadsheet tracking, data analysis, CAS/SAP, event coordination, or procurement. Even if you have only a little, mention it. Keep your expression of interest brief and professional – you are not writing a full application, just signalling interest. Apply by the closing date, but do not expect an immediate response. After applying, you can follow up with the hiring organization contact listed in the posting if you have questions.

If you are an external applicant

This posting is not for you. Save your energy for open competitions. FedJobReady has many resources for external candidates targeting Government of Canada jobs – check out our guides on external hiring processes.

Should you use paid help?

For this inventory, paid help is optional. If you are an internal candidate unsure how to frame your experience for CBSA, FedJobReady can review your resume and expression of interest to ensure you highlight the assets that matter. But given the low stakes and simple application, you may be fine doing it yourself. If you are an external candidate, do not waste money on this posting – it is not open to you.

Bottom line: This is a low‑commitment way for existing public servants in Southern Ontario to get on CBSA’s radar. Apply cleanly, then move on.