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Counterterrorism Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... counterterrorism operations. * Provide program management, field operations, logistics and inventory, and fleet management support to a national CBRN support capability that assists CWMD's law ...

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Counterterrorism information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$81.4K

$148K

How much do counterterrorism jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for counterterrorism in California is $81,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is counterterrorism?

Counterterrorism refers to the practices, strategies, and tactics that governments, military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies use to prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism. This field involves identifying potential threats, disrupting terrorist networks, and protecting citizens and critical infrastructure. Counterterrorism professionals may work in analysis, operations, policy development, or fieldwork, collaborating both domestically and internationally. The goal is to reduce the risk and impact of terrorist activities while upholding laws and human rights.

What are the qualifications to get a job in counterterrorism?

A bachelor's or master's degree in national security studies or international affairs is needed to obtain a job in counterterrorism. Specialization in a specific world region is beneficial. You must be aware of the United States national security interest and have research expertise in regards to international affairs. You also need to pass a background check, polygraph interview, and psychological and medical exams. Being bilingual or having foreign language capability is preferred. Other qualifications include an interest in international affairs, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills to analyze evidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in counterterrorism, and why are they important?

To thrive in counterterrorism, you need a background in criminal justice, international relations, or security studies, often supplemented with relevant law enforcement or military experience. Familiarity with intelligence analysis tools, surveillance technologies, and sometimes security clearances or specialized certifications such as Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for anticipating threats and collaborating across agencies. These skills and qualifications enable professionals to identify, prevent, and respond to complex security threats effectively.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in counterterrorism roles?

Professionals in counterterrorism often encounter the challenge of responding quickly to evolving threats while managing large amounts of sensitive information. The work is highly collaborative, frequently requiring coordination with law enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, and international partners. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality and operating under high-pressure situations are common aspects of the role. Adapting to rapidly changing security landscapes and staying updated with the latest tactics used by adversaries are also crucial for success.

What is the difference between Counterterrorism vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectCounterterrorismIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized training in terrorism and securityDegree in political science, international relations, or related fields; security clearances often required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, military, law enforcement, field operationsIntelligence agencies, government offices, data analysis settings
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like DHS, FBI, militaryIntelligence agencies, defense contractors, government sectors

Counterterrorism focuses on preventing and responding to terrorist threats through specialized operations and security measures. Intelligence analysts gather, interpret, and analyze data to support national security efforts. While both roles require security clearances and analytical skills, counterterrorism is more operational and field-oriented, whereas intelligence analysis emphasizes data interpretation and strategic planning.

How do you get a job in counterterrorism?

To work in counterterrorism, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security studies, or a related field, along with relevant experience in law enforcement, intelligence, or military service. Security clearances and specialized training, such as in intelligence analysis or cybersecurity, are often required. Building skills in analysis, communication, and understanding of national security issues can improve job prospects in this field.

Is counterterrorism a good career?

Counterterrorism is a specialized field within national security that involves identifying and preventing terrorist threats, often requiring skills in intelligence analysis, law enforcement, and security operations. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public safety and national security, but it may involve high stress, irregular hours, and rigorous background checks. Success in this field often depends on relevant education, experience, and security clearances.

What jobs can you get with a counterterrorism degree?

A counterterrorism degree can lead to roles such as counterterrorism analyst, intelligence officer, security consultant, or law enforcement officer. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of security protocols, and sometimes security clearances or specialized training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counterterrorism jobs in California?

The most popular types of Counterterrorism jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Counterterrorism jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Counterterrorism jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Counterterrorism jobs?

Cities in California with the most Counterterrorism job openings:

Infographic showing various Counterterrorism job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,374 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Short Term or As Needed Coverage, MFLC Counselor, Camp Pendleton, CA

Leidos

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$43/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Make a difference in the lives of our military Service Members and their families with yourexpertisein counseling and mental health - without the fuss of insurance, treatment plans, or overhead. Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are the first line of defense for our Service Members' mental health, and we need flexible, ready-to-serve counselors willing to jump in at a moment's notice.

Leidos seeks passionate licensed mental healthcare providers ready to embrace a flexible PRN-type schedule, stepping in where needed across military installations and communities to safeguard and enhance mental well-being. MFLCs proactively provide counseling services, preventative in nature, to address and provide solution-focused approaches to issues before they become greater challenges.Interested counselors may support either adults or minors in a wide variety of assignments including but not limited to being embedded with a military unit, supporting military families, or working within a school setting.

What is the Mission Ready Reserve (MRR)?Mission Ready Reserve MFLCs are trained and available counselors ready to serve when called upon. Working as a Mission Ready Reserve MFLC allows counselors to focus wholeheartedly on their passion for helping others, unencumbered by administrative burdens. MRR counselors are assignment-ready and taking an assignment is at the discretion of the MRR counselor.

The need in this location is: Adult Positions, SOCOM Positions, CYB Positions.

Adult Counseling:

Adult MFLCs provide support, including counseling, consultation, and outreach to eligible Service Members and adult family members.Counselingprovided through the MFLC program is an adjunct and supplemental to the formal military behavioral and physical health treatment system. Adult counseling service is needed on military installations, either at community service buildings or embedded with a unit. The focus is on enhancing operational readiness and increasing individual and family resiliency by offering support on issues such as:

  • Relationships

  • Stress management

  • Parenting and parent-child communications

  • Child behavioral issues

  • Frequent relocations and deployments

  • Financial and budget issues

  • Job stress

Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Positions:

MFLCs provide crucial mental health support to Service Members and their families, and when working within SOCOM units, their role becomes even more pivotal. MFLCs seeking positions within SOCOM must obtain at least a Secret (T3) clearance due to the sensitive nature of the work conducted withinspecial forces and the special operations community. Special operationscommands

operatein high-pressure environments with high-stakes missions, often deployingfrequentlyand facing intense operational demands. Service Members within SOCOM are involved in clandestine operations, counterterrorism efforts, and other critical tasks where mental resilience and support are essential. The intense nature of a SOCOM position is felt within the military family as well. Spouses and children are often affected by frequent separations, lack of understanding or ability to know what theService Membersdoday-to-day, and high-stake missions that may result in increased stress or worry for the family. MFLCs entering this domain must be prepared for the unique challenges and demands inherent in supporting personnel and familiesoperatingwithin such environments.

Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) Counseling:

CYB-MFLCs provide support, including counseling, consultation, and outreach to eligible children, youth, parents, staff, and faculty. Counselors mayobserve, participate, and engage in activities with children and youth; provide coaching, guidance, and support to staff and parents; and model behavior management techniques for staff and parents. CYB counseling services may be needed at installations, Child Development Centers(CDCs), Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) schools, summer schools, camps, and programsDoW-wide, addressing issues such as:

  • Identifyingfeelings

  • Bullying

  • Conflict resolution

  • Self-esteem

  • Managing anger and aggression

  • Separation from parents

  • Problem-solving

  • Coping with deployment and reunification

  • Transition and moving

  • Sibling and parental relationships

  • Time management

MRRMFLC Service Oriented Model:

The Mission Ready Reserve model allows you to focus on your counseling and the military Service Members and the families you will be supporting.

  • No insurance to file.

  • No progress notesrequired.

  • No treatment plans to develop.

  • Intuitive reporting tools

MRRMFLC will alsobenefitfrom:

  • Unlimited and free CEUs through a Leidos affiliate.

  • Reimbursement for job-related license renewal fees.

  • Eligibility toparticipatein 401K retirement plan.

  • Access to health and wellness programs with cashback incentives.

  • Access to Leidos' Employee Discount Program and exclusive discount marketplace.

MRRMFLC responsibilities include:

  • Face-to-face counseling to military Service Members and their families (individual, couples, family, and children).

  • Recommendingappropriate referralsand handoffs based on your experienced differential clinical skills to military and community resources according to the needs of military Service Members and their families.

  • Offer presentations to address social skills development and social emotional learning that is crucial for early childhood development.

  • Build rapport with Service Members, spouses, and children by attending installation and community events.

  • Help families and children with challenges that are particular to the military community, transitions, reoccurring moves, frequent separations, deployments, and more.

Environment:

At the direction of the Department ofWar (DoW), duties are performed in multiple indoor locations (approximately 60%) and outdoor locations (approximately 40%). The indoor locations arelocatedona military installation, a school setting, or a child development center (CDC) setting controlled by theDoW. The outdoor locationsfrequentlyinvolve traversing over uneven grassy, gravel, and/or dirt areas, ascending/descending stairs, and exposure to the weather. CDC settingsfrequentlyinvolve sitting on the floor to interact with children for up to 2 hours at a time. As a Mission Ready Reserve MFLC, you may experience various environments depending on the assignment.

Minimum Requirements:

  • A master's degree or higher in the Behavioral Health Professions (MS/MSW/MA/PhD).

  • Licensure to practice at theindependent practice level(LCSW, MFT, LPCC, Psychologist) in a state or territory of the United States.t

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.

  • Must be able to pass a basic background check for employment, a National /Child National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI/CNACI) clearance, commonly called a Public Trust clearance.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $43/hr. - $55/hr.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:August 5, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range -

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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