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Government Watch Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Through this operation center, the federal government coordinates situational awareness and ... Duty Officer. * The candidate must be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills with the ...

Through this operation center, the federal government coordinates situational awareness and ... Duty Officer. * The candidate must be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills with the ...

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Government Watch Officer information

What is a government watch officer?

Government Watch Officers are professionals responsible for monitoring, assessing, and reporting on critical events and potential threats that may impact government operations, national security, or public safety. They work in operations centers, maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that key decision-makers receive timely, accurate information. Their duties often include real-time incident tracking, preparing briefings, and coordinating with various agencies during emergencies. These officers play a vital role in crisis response and information management within government organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government watch officer?

To thrive as a Government Watch Officer, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in security studies or intelligence, often supported by relevant government clearances. Familiarity with classified information systems, incident reporting tools, and secure communication platforms is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decisiveness, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for promptly identifying, assessing, and escalating critical events to protect national interests and ensure operational continuity.

What are some common challenges faced by government watch officers in managing information flow during critical incidents?

Government Watch Officers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing information, coordinating across multiple agencies, and prioritizing incoming reports during high-pressure situations. They must ensure timely dissemination of accurate information to decision-makers while avoiding data overload or miscommunication. Effective Watch Officers develop strong situational awareness, maintain clear communication channels, and utilize established protocols to manage these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Government Watch Officer vs Security Analyst?

AspectGovernment Watch OfficerSecurity Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires security clearances, law enforcement or government certificationsUsually holds cybersecurity or IT certifications like CISSP, CISA
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, law enforcement, or security departmentsCorporate, financial institutions, or cybersecurity firms
Employer & IndustryGovernment, public safety, law enforcementPrivate sector, cybersecurity, IT
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for security roles in governmentCompared for cybersecurity and IT security roles

While both roles focus on security, a Government Watch Officer primarily monitors and responds to threats within government agencies, often requiring security clearances. A Security Analyst typically works in private sectors analyzing cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. The roles differ mainly in their work environment and specific focus areas, but both require strong security knowledge and certifications.

How do you become a government watch officer?

To become a government watch officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security, or a related field. Relevant skills include surveillance, communication, and report writing, and candidates often undergo background checks and security clearances. Training is usually provided on the job, and familiarity with security tools and protocols is beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Government Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Government Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Government Watch Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Government Watch Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Watch Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Watch Analyst / Active Top Secret

Peraton

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


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8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 225 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is currently seeking to hire a Watch Analyst for its' Federal Strategic Cyber group.

Location: Washington, DC (on site)

This position is part of DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) 24/7 SCIF/Operations Center, which is the hub for staying on top of threats and emerging risks to our nation's critical infrastructure. Through this operation center, the federal government coordinates situational awareness and response to protect national cyber and infrastructure security.

Position Description:

  • The Watch Analyst will monitor classified databases, the ticket management system, subscription-based alerting services, cable and local news, social media, and other open sources for threats to the nation's critical infrastructure and global operations impacting national security.
  • The Watch Analyst should provide the initial triage and analysis of cyber, physical, and communication incidents to identify the severity of impact to critical infrastructure and determine the level of reporting or briefing required.
  • The candidate will work with a small team to provide accurate, timely, and actionable reports to our government leadership, law enforcement, federal stakeholders, and partners. The team will coordinate incidents affecting critical infrastructure through incident completion.
  • The candidate should be an experienced Operations/Intelligence/Cyber practitioner with the ability to work in a time-sensitive operational environment. Watch Analysts must maintain strict adherence to security protocols and confidentiality requirements in handling sensitive information.
  • Watch Analysts must be able to multitask, make quick decisions, and utilize critical thinking skills in a time sensitive environment under the direction of a federal CISA Duty Officer.
  • The candidate must be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data, synthesize information, and write reports.
  • The candidate is expected to understand the operation of all communications and information technology hardware and software utilized to perform daily functions. The candidate should have the ability to troubleshoot all equipment issues as needed and coordinate a resolution with the help desk.
  • Other services and support as needed or directed by the government client.
  • The candidate will work at a 24x7x365 Classified Operations and Watch Center.
    • Shifts are assigned based on the needs of the team and may include rotating assignments. 

#CISA

Qualifications

2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
    • An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
  • Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have broad capabilities and expertise in research, analysis, and report writing skills. 
  • Must be flexible and able to work within a 24x7x365 operations support environment. 
  • Experience with open-source analysis and alerting systems.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office automation solutions.
  • Must have experience/expertise in one or more critical infrastructure sectors (as defined by HSPD-7 and the NIPP), cyber and/or emergency management. 
  • Must have Knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS) structure, emergency management operations, and background knowledge of one (1) or more critical infrastructure sectors.
  • Must complete FEMA IS-100.c, IS-453, IS-520, IS-545.a, IS-551, IS-700.b, IS-800.d, IS-860.c and IS-1300 before first day on the contract.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • An active Top Secret security clearance required.
    • In addition, selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated DHS background investigation for continued employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Specialized operations center experience.
  • Experience in drafting and publishing national level reporting.
  • Experience with email triage and requests for information (RFIs).
  • Experience as an All-Source Intelligence Analyst in Joint Operations Center and/or Fusion Center.
  • Experience with cyber incident management and analysis.
  • Obtained Cyber certifications (i.e., CompTIA Security+)
  • Experience with Knowledge Management Systems and ServiceNow.
  • Has the ability to read technical cyber reporting, including IOCs and TTPs, and be able to extract the important information to provide clear and concise reporting for a non-technical audience. 
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

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At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017