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Forward Observer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Zachry Group

Safety Facilitator I

Gregory, TX · On-site

Using the skills of bringing forward clear facts to allow the more experienced Safety Support Team ... Observe the working conditions of the job site to ensure safe work condition exist. * Take ...

Zachry Group

Safety Facilitator I

Gregory, TX

Using the skills of bringing forward clear facts to allow the more experienced Safety Support Team ... Observe the working conditions of the job site to ensure safe work condition exist. * Take ...

Capstone Logistics LLC

Auditor

Lancaster, TX · On-site

$16/hr

... results, and pay it forward in our communities. Through transparency and open lines of ... Observe the quality of loads on arrival Taking pictures of compliance violations using multiple ...

Capstone Logistics

Auditor

Lancaster, TX · On-site

$16/hr

... results, and pay it forward in our communities. Through transparency and open lines of ... The opportunity: * Observe the quality of loads on arrival * Taking pictures of compliance ...

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Forward Observer information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a forward observer in the field?

Forward Observers are responsible for locating and identifying targets, calculating coordinates, and communicating precise targeting data to artillery and mortar units. Their days often involve operating in various terrains, using advanced communication and navigation tools, and closely coordinating with infantry and command teams. Regular duties may include conducting reconnaissance, maintaining situational awareness, and adapting plans based on rapidly changing conditions. This role requires a high degree of vigilance and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a tactical team. Forward Observers play a vital role in ensuring accurate and timely fire support, making their contributions critical to mission success.

What is a forward observer?

A Forward Observer (FO) is a military specialist responsible for directing artillery and mortar fire onto enemy targets. They work with ground units and use maps, GPS, and laser rangefinders to determine target locations and communicate precise coordinates to fire support teams. FOs play a critical role in ensuring accuracy and effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage. Their job requires strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and the ability to operate in high-pressure combat environments.

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

To thrive as a Forward Observer, you need strong mathematical skills, situational awareness, and the ability to learn military tactics, typically obtained through specialized military training and completion of observer certification courses. Familiarity with advanced communication equipment, GPS devices, and fire direction systems is essential for accurately relaying target information. Sharp decision-making, attention to detail, and effective teamwork under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure precise and timely support for field operations, directly impacting mission success and the safety of team members.

What are popular job titles related to Forward Observer jobs in Texas? For Forward Observer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forward Observer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Forward Observer jobs in Texas are:
Forward Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forward Observer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Dallas, TX

$54K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies for NCIS- REGIONAL ENFORCEMENT ACTION CAPABILITIES TEAM (REACT) . Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.Qualifications:GL-09: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GL/GS07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience gathering and documenting facts from various sources and producing detailed written reports.
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Experience analyzing records, data, or systems to identify discrepancies, patterns, or compliance issues.
  • Experience conducting structured interviews or inquiries to gather information from people.
  • Consolidating gathered information to produce a detailed report that presents evidence-based findings and supports a final conclusion or recommendation for action.
GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-09 level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrate your ability in the following:
  • Experience conducting or supporting Federal Criminal Investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies.
  • Independent Project Management: Experience independently planning and executing multi-step projects or inquiries from start to finish.
  • Complex Data Synthesis: Experience managing and synthesizing multiple streams of information (e.g., records, interviews, open-source data) to produce a comprehensive analytical product.
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, demonstrating leadership and expertise in planning and conducting complex criminal investigations. This experience must include tasks such as:
  • Experience serving as the lead investigator on felony-level cases (e.g., homicide, sexual assault, major fraud, espionage).
  • Experience applying advanced investigative techniques, such as court-authorized electronic surveillance.
  • Experience developing cases for federal prosecution and presenting evidence to a U.S. Attorney's Office.
  • Experience applying provisions from the UCMJ, U.S. Code, and international law to investigations.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level that demonstrates mastery of the investigative field and the ability to operate at a strategic level. This experience must include tasks such as:
  • Strategic Management: Planning and managing large-scale, multi-jurisdictional, or transnational investigations.
  • Policy Development: Developing or influencing agency-wide investigative policies, procedures, or doctrine.
  • Expert Consultation: Providing expert technical advice to senior leadership on critical law enforcement operations.
  • Advanced Intelligence Fusion: Collecting and analyzing operational and strategic intelligence from a wide range of sources, including federal, state, local, military, and foreign government partners.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Qualifications:NCIS is seeking a diverse pool of applicants who demonstrate a strong balance of education, life experience, and commitment. Stand-out skills such as fluency in critical languages (e.g., Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean) or a background in STEM fields or specialized experience in aviation are highly desirable. Current Special Agents (1811) with documented experience, can generally be hired at their current pay level. Applicants will be evaluated for the appropriate grade level (GL-9 to GS-13) based on the scope and complexity of your specialized experience and education.
Additionally, NCIS is seeking applicants with experience for the following specialized position:
Regional Enforcement Action Capabilities Team (REACT) (SWAT equivalent)
REACT is NCIS' National Tactical Team. They are tasked with CONUS/OCONUS high risk operations and enforcement actions, enhanced tactical responsibilities in support of the Protective Operations Field Office (including forward deployed or contingency areas), serve as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), and support the Certified Undercover Agent (CUA) program. REACT maintains the Forward Observer/Snipers (FO/S), Crisis Negotiator Program, and Tactical Medical Program.
  • SRT (Special Response Team): A highly trained, specialized tactical unit used to handle high-risk asset protection, barricaded subjects, and tactical warrant executions
  • RRT (Rapid Response Team):A rapid-deployment tactical element used to immediately stabilize emerging crises or high-risk scenes before or alongside dedicated REACT elements.
  • Fast track for SRT/RRT: Special Agents normally must complete a minimum of 24 months of field experience before they are eligible to try out for REACT teams. The NCIS Tactical Recruitment Program bypasses this restriction for applicants with verified special operations or major city SWAT backgrounds. REACT program selectees are fast-tracked for REACT selection training, reducing the mandatory waiting period.
  • Candidates who do not successfully complete the tactical selection process or specialized training curriculum will retain their status as Special Agents. They will be transitioned to the standard investigative pipeline and assigned to a Field Office based on the operational needs of NCIS.
Critical Requirements:
  • Exceptional teamwork and communication
  • High emotional intelligence
  • Calm under pressure and extreme stress
  • Strong sound judgment and problem-solving skills
  • Physically fit to meet mission requirements

Desired Background:
  • LE or Military Background (small group tactics trained preferred but not required)
  • Proficient with weapons and tactics
  • Based on an individual applicants training, experience and technical qualifications, NCIS Special Agent Training Program may be waived for a modified training and assessment program through the NCIS Training Academy. Basic REACT Operators Course (BROC), and/or other relevant training may be required as deemed necessary.
  • Placement into this specialty will be based on background, specialized training, geographic field office availability, mission specific field offices, training directorate, and HQ program oversight.
The following criteria identify preferred education and experience for best qualified ranking:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in computer technology, forensics, criminal justice, and information technology)
  • Federal Investigative Experience: Possess a minimum of three (3) years of federal investigative experience. This must include service as a credentialed member of a Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) while on active duty.
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officer (1811): Current employment as a federal law enforcement officer holding an 1811 job series classification, as evidenced by an official Standard Form (SF) 50.
  • Successful completion of a basic criminal investigator training program at an academy accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA). Examples include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), FBI Academy, DEA Academy, and the US Army CIDSAC.
GL-09: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
master's or equivalent graduate degree

or

2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.B. or J.D., if related. ORCOMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-11: SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.M., if related OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Employment Type: OTHER

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