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Intelligence Operations Watch Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Intelligence Watch Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $134K/yr

The Senior Intelligence Watch Officer serves as a senior member of a 24/7 intelligence operations team, providing real-time monitoring, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence ...

Operations Watch Officer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

We are seeking candidates with intelligence, military, or law enforcement backgrounds to serve at Watch Operations Officers at our client site. TS/SCI with Polygraph is required. This position ...

We are seeking candidates with intelligence, military, or law enforcement backgrounds to serve at Watch Operations Officers at our client site.TS/SCI with Polygraph is required. This position ...

CBRN Watch Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

SGI Global is seeking a CBRN Watch Officer to support the FEMA CBRN Watch Operations. The CBRN ... Military or Law Enforcement Operational or Intelligence experience. * Must have the ability to ...

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Intelligence Operations Watch Officer information

See salary details

$31.5K

$77.3K

$136.5K

How much do intelligence operations watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for intelligence operations watch officer in the United States is $77,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an intelligence operations watch officer?

Intelligence Operations Watch Officers are professionals responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on real-time intelligence information to support decision-making in security and defense operations. They work in operations centers, maintaining situational awareness by tracking global events, coordinating with intelligence teams, and providing timely updates to leadership. Their role is critical in crisis situations, ensuring accurate information is relayed quickly to enable effective responses. Watch Officers often work in shifts to provide 24/7 coverage and must be skilled in communication, analysis, and the use of various intelligence tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intelligence operations watch officer?

To thrive as an Intelligence Operations Watch Officer, you need expertise in intelligence analysis, situational awareness, and a background in security or military operations, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with classified data systems, secure communication tools, and intelligence databases is typically required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential to excel in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments. These abilities ensure timely and accurate information flow, supporting informed decision-making and national security objectives.

What are some common challenges intelligence operations watch officers face during shift work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Intelligence Operations Watch Officers often work rotating shifts to provide 24/7 coverage, which can lead to challenges such as fatigue, maintaining situational awareness, and managing information overload. Effectively managing these challenges involves establishing consistent sleep routines, practicing strong communication with team members during handovers, and utilizing established protocols to prioritize and disseminate critical information quickly. Staying organized and leveraging technology for real-time monitoring helps ensure accurate and timely intelligence support to decision-makers.

What is the difference between Intelligence Operations Watch Officer vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectIntelligence Operations Watch OfficerIntelligence Analyst
CredentialsSecurity clearances, relevant certificationsDegree in intelligence, security, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMonitoring centers, 24/7 operationsResearch, analysis, report writing
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense, intelligence communityGovernment, private sector, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding operational roles, monitoring dutiesAnalyzing data, producing intelligence reports

The Intelligence Operations Watch Officer primarily monitors and responds to real-time intelligence data within operational centers, focusing on immediate threat detection. In contrast, Intelligence Analysts analyze collected data to produce strategic reports. Both roles require security clearances and are vital in the intelligence community, but they differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How do you become an Intelligence Operations Watch Officer?

To become an Intelligence Operations Watch Officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as intelligence, security, or cybersecurity. Relevant skills include strong analytical abilities, knowledge of intelligence tools and databases, and often a background in military, law enforcement, or government agencies; some positions may require security clearances. Training programs or on-the-job training are common to familiarize new officers with operational procedures and intelligence protocols.

What cities are hiring for Intelligence Operations Watch Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Intelligence Operations Watch Officer job openings:

What states have the most Intelligence Operations Watch Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Intelligence Operations Watch Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Intelligence Operations Watch Officer jobs?

For Intelligence Operations Watch Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Intelligence Operations Watch Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,254 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Senior Intelligence Watch Officer

Washington, DC • On-site

$106K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and assess global intelligence and national security events within a 24/7 watch environment.

  • Analyze, evaluate, and disseminate all-source intelligence, including HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, ELINT, and OSINT.

  • Prepare and deliver timely intelligence reports, briefings, situation reports, and executive summaries for senior leadership.


Job description

This is a temporary, full-time position, and due to the temporary nature of the assignment, benefits are not offered.

The Senior Intelligence Watch Officer serves as a senior member of a 24/7 intelligence operations team, providing real-time monitoring, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence information in support of national security operations. This position is responsible for monitoring global events, producing intelligence reports and briefings, coordinating with Intelligence Community (IC) partners, supporting crisis response activities, and ensuring senior leadership receives timely and accurate situational awareness. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in intelligence operations, watch center environments, and all-source intelligence, along with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor and assess global intelligence and national security events within a 24/7 watch environment.
  • Analyze, evaluate, and disseminate all-source intelligence, including HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, ELINT, and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
  • Prepare and deliver timely intelligence reports, briefings, situation reports, and executive summaries for senior leadership.
  • Coordinate with Intelligence Community agencies and federal partners to support intelligence sharing and operational awareness.
  • Monitor classified communications systems, intelligence reporting channels, and watch center activities to ensure timely dissemination of critical information.
  • Support crisis response operations, continuity of operations (COOP), emergency management, and national security incident response activities.
  • Maintain situational awareness during significant national and international events affecting U.S. interests.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational plans, and watch center processes.
  • Support intelligence collection, research, analysis, and production efforts while ensuring the protection of classified information.
  • Prepare briefing materials and intelligence products for executive leadership and government stakeholders.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior Watch Officers as needed.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support intelligence operations and mission requirements.
  • Maintain operational records, reports, and documentation in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
  • Participate in exercises, continuity planning activities, emergency preparedness events, and after-action reporting.
  • Perform shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and recall during emergency operations as required.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, International Relations, Political Science, Business, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of intelligence, watch center, operations center, military intelligence, or national security experience.
  • At least one (1) year of experience serving in an Intelligence Watch Officer or similar watch floor leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), or other federal intelligence organizations.
  • Strong knowledge of intelligence collection, analysis, production, and dissemination processes.
  • Experience working with all-source intelligence, including HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, ELINT, and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
  • Experience preparing executive briefings, intelligence reports, and situational awareness products.
  • Knowledge of classified communications systems, secure networks, and intelligence information-sharing practices.
  • Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
  • Experience supporting emergency response, continuity of operations (COOP), or crisis management activities is highly desirable.
  • Active Top Secret clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance is required.