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Commander Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Watch Commander

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

As Watch Commander you will be responsible for managing, supervising, and ensuring our Protective Security Officer (PSO) team maintains the highest security standards in compliance with our contract ...

Watch Commander

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

As Watch Commander you will be responsible for managing, supervising, and ensuring our Protective Security Officer (PSO) team maintains the highest security standards in compliance with our contract ...

Watch Commander

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

As Watch Commander you will be responsible for managing, supervising, and ensuring our Protective Security Officer (PSO) team maintains the highest security standards in compliance with our contract ...

Lead Vulnerability Commander

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$116K - $152K/yr

As commanders on the most impactful cyber security team, we lead Salesforce's security response for our Commercial and GovCloud environments while acting as the security executive liaison with ...

Command Center Specialist The Command Center Specialist is located within WCSA's Command Center, Support Services Department of the Public Safety Division. The Command Center provides on a 24 hour ...

The Command Center Specialist is located within WCSA's Command Center, Support Services Department of the Public Safety Division. The Command Center provides on a 24 hour per day, 7 days a week ...

The Command Center Specialist is located within WCSA's Command Center, Support Services Department of the Public Safety Division. The Command Center provides on a 24 hour per day, 7 days a week ...

Summary Description Under the general supervision of the on-duty Watch Commander (WC), the Watch Officer (WO) performs the monitoring, response, and communication duties within the operational ...

Summary Description Under the general supervision of the on-duty Watch Commander (WC), the Watch Officer (WO) performs the monitoring, response, and communication duties within the operational ...

Summary Description Under the general supervision of the on-duty Watch Commander (WC), the Watch Officer (WO) performs the monitoring, response, and communication duties within the operational ...

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Showing results 1-20

Commander information

See Washington, DC salary details

$83.6K

$182.3K

$288.5K

How much do commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for commander in Washington, DC is $182,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,200.00 and $214,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commander?

To thrive as a Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, and a solid background in military operations, usually supported by advanced military education and officer commissioning. Familiarity with command and control systems, military communication tools, and operational planning software is essential. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to inspire and manage personnel are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effective mission execution, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring operational success under pressure.

What is the difference between Commander vs Pilot?

AspectCommanderPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary or specialized training, certifications depending on contextCommercial or private pilot license, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, ships, or aircraft command settingsAircraft operation, airlines, private flights
Industry UsageMilitary, maritime, aviationAviation, transportation

The main difference is that a Commander typically refers to a leadership role overseeing operations in military, maritime, or aviation contexts, requiring specialized training and certifications. A Pilot, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for flying aircraft and holds specific licenses. While both roles are involved in aviation or maritime industries, Commanders focus on leadership and strategic oversight, whereas Pilots focus on aircraft operation.

What is a commander?

Commanders are high-ranking officers in military, naval, or law enforcement organizations who are responsible for leading and managing units, missions, or operations. They oversee personnel, develop strategies, make critical decisions, and ensure the effective execution of orders and objectives. Commanders are expected to demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, often working under significant pressure. Their specific duties can vary depending on the branch of service and the size of the unit they command.

What are some common challenges faced by a commander in coordinating large teams or units?

Commanders often manage diverse teams with varying skill levels, backgrounds, and responsibilities. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across all levels, especially in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations. Additionally, balancing strategic decision-making with the welfare and morale of personnel requires strong leadership and adaptability. Commanders must also stay updated on operational protocols while fostering teamwork and collaboration among units to achieve mission objectives effectively.
Infographic showing various Commander job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,341 per year, or $87.7 per hour.

Watch Commander

Hana Industries Inc.

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Description


Hana Industries,ย Inc. is an emergingย security company focused onย providing services to the U.S. Government.ย We are currently seeking experienced Watch Commanders for the Department of Homeland Security at the IRS Headquarters in Washington DC.

As Watch Commander you will be responsible for managing, supervising, and ensuringย our Protective Security Officerย (PSO)ย team maintains the highest security standards in compliance with our contract, customer expectations, and our Company policies and procedures.
Duties

  • Fostering the development of a positive and high-performance team of PSOs
  • Ensuring compliance to all Company personnelย and safety policies and ensures staff perform duties in a safe manner
  • Managing the staffing of posts at the site in order to ensure complete coverage for vacations, illness, and call-offs
  • Conducting Guard Mount and pass down information and ensuring guard force is in compliance to federal, state, and local training and certification requirements
  • Ensuring that all officers receive and understand new, changed, or special instructionsย 
  • Ensuring guard force follows the Company's professional uniform and grooming standards
  • Ensuring accountability for the proper use and maintenance of all equipment used at all posts by assigned PSOs
  • Ensuring clarity, completeness, accuracy, and legibility of all written reports, timesheets, and log entriesย 
  • Conducting investigations into security matters and report findings to chain-of-command
  • Ensuring accuracy of start and end times, meal and break periods are documented on daily timekeeping systems
  • Ensuring the safety of security force by complying with our company safety policies and procedures
  • Promoting our Company's values of integrity, fairness, teamwork, diversity, high ethical standards, and genuine care for your co-workers and our customer.

Requirements

  • Minimum five (5) years demonstrated specialized civilian orย military and commercialย law enforcement andย security force experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of successful experience in field supervisionย 
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Active DHS Suitability.ย 



ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย HIND is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V