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Intelligence Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$89K - $116K/yr

This position is for an Intelligence Operations Specialist, Position Description Number D1659000 located in the 116th OPS GP, Robins AFB, GA. This is a full-time, Excepted Permanent, dual status ...

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Intelligence Operations Specialist information

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$45.5K

$104.6K

$144K

How much do intelligence operations specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for intelligence operations specialist in the United States is $104,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intelligence Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intelligence Operations Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in intelligence, criminal justice, or a related field—often supported by a relevant degree or military experience. Familiarity with intelligence analysis software, data visualization tools, and classified information systems is typically required, along with security clearance. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and responding to dynamic situations. These abilities enable effective information gathering, threat assessment, and mission support in high-stakes environments.

How much do CIA intelligence specialists make?

CIA intelligence specialists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, and the role often includes comprehensive benefits and allowances for security and travel.

What does an intelligence operations specialist do?

An intelligence operations specialist analyzes and collects information to support national security, military, or law enforcement objectives. They use tools like data analysis, surveillance, and open-source research to identify threats and inform decision-making, often working in secure environments and requiring relevant security clearances.

How much does 35F pay?

The salary for an Intelligence Operations Specialist, such as a 35F in the military, varies based on rank, experience, and location. In the U.S. Army, starting pay for a 35F can range from approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per month for entry-level soldiers, with increases as they advance in rank and experience. Additional benefits include housing allowances and special duty pay.

What is the difference between Intelligence Operations Specialist vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectIntelligence Operations SpecialistIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance often preferredBachelor's degree in related field, security clearance sometimes required
Work EnvironmentField operations, intelligence agencies, militaryOffice settings, government agencies, research institutions
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense, intelligence agenciesGovernment, law enforcement, private security
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on operational planning and executionFocuses on data analysis and reporting

Intelligence Operations Specialists primarily handle operational planning and field activities within intelligence agencies, often requiring security clearances and field experience. In contrast, Intelligence Analysts focus on analyzing data, producing reports, and supporting decision-making. Both roles are vital in the intelligence community but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are Intelligence Operations Specialists?

Intelligence Operations Specialists are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret information to support national security, military, or law enforcement objectives. They evaluate data from various sources, including electronic surveillance, human intelligence, and open-source materials, to provide actionable insights. Their work often involves preparing reports, briefing decision-makers, and coordinating with other agencies to ensure effective intelligence operations. These specialists play a critical role in preventing threats and supporting mission success.

What are some common challenges Intelligence Operations Specialists face when managing sensitive information within a team environment?

Intelligence Operations Specialists often work with highly sensitive and classified data, which requires maintaining strict security protocols while still collaborating effectively with team members. Balancing the need for information sharing with confidentiality can be challenging, especially in fast-paced or multi-agency settings. Effective communication, attention to detail, and adherence to security guidelines are essential for ensuring that critical intelligence is disseminated appropriately without risking data breaches. Regular training and a culture of trust within the team help mitigate these challenges.

What jobs in the U.S. pay 300,000 a year?

In the U.S., high-level roles such as senior intelligence operations specialists, executive-level managers, and certain cybersecurity directors can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities within government agencies or private sector organizations. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and individual qualifications.
More about Intelligence Operations Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Intelligence Operations Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Intelligence Operations Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Intelligence Operations Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Intelligence Operations Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Intelligence Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,643 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Intelligence Operations Specialist

Intelligence Operations Specialist

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Boston, MA • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Intelligence, National Border Security Intelligence Center Directorate, Northeast Regional Intelligence Center located in one of the following locations:
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Buffalo, New York
  • New York, New York
This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first.Qualifications:Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Researching, screening, evaluating, consolidating, reviewing, and interpreting large volumes of operational information;
  • Evaluating collected information to determine whether or not the information accurately responds to IC collection requirements and thresholds for IIR conversion;
  • Preparing drafted IIRs for publication by utilizing existing message traffic handling systems;
  • Reporting raw intelligence in a timely manner through various forms of media, documents, and general information to determine patterns.
Education Substitution GS-11: You may substitute a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. for experience at the GS-11 grade level. Such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Analyzing and evaluating complex intelligence data for future threats, senior officials, and provides guidance to junior specialists on Intelligence Information Report (IIR) and Reports Officer (RO);
  • Producing assigned and self-initiated intelligence products based on threats, conditions, and trends;
  • Conducting reviews and evaluations of the dissemination process, identifies areas for improvement, and recommends enhancements to the dissemination process;
  • Processing, reviewing, and analyzing raw intelligence data, metrics, operations, and intelligence sources to determine current and future intelligence requirements.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
Combining Education and Experience: To combine your education and experience, convert each to a percentage and then add the percentages. If your education is described in quarter hours, multiply by the fraction 2/3 to convert into semester hours, then divide the semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total months of experience by the required number of months of experience. Add your percentages together. The total must equal at least 100% in order to qualify. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify for positions at grade GS-11.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/12/2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003