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Navy Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$62K - $72K/yr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor. Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Manages the operation and utilization of indoor and outdoor fitness, sports, and ...

$22 - $24/hr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Station Everett. Learn more about this agency Duties Help Pool Lifeguard * Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g ...

$20.54 - $22/hr

Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Station Everett Learn more about this agency Duties Help * Provides information to patrons about activities and program offerings. * Checks patron ...

Showing results 41-60

Navy Commander information

See salary details

$36K

$59.9K

$97K

How much do navy commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy commander in the United States is $59,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Navy commander?

Navy Commanders are senior officers in the naval branch of a country's armed forces, typically holding the rank of Commander, which is above Lieutenant Commander and below Captain. They are responsible for leading and managing a ship, submarine, or a specific department within a larger vessel or shore establishment. Commanders oversee operations, ensure the welfare and discipline of their crew, and make critical decisions during missions. Their role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to handle complex situations at sea or onshore.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navy commander?

To thrive as a Navy Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic decision-making abilities, and a thorough knowledge of naval operations, typically gained through years of service and completion of advanced military education. Familiarity with naval command systems, operational planning software, and specialized certifications such as Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) are commonly required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure effective mission execution, personnel welfare, and operational readiness in complex and high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges Navy commanders face when leading diverse teams aboard ship?

Navy Commanders often manage teams made up of individuals from varied backgrounds and specialties, which can present challenges in communication, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring that all voices are heard. Balancing operational demands with crew wellbeing, especially during long deployments, is another key challenge. Effective Commanders invest time in building trust, fostering open communication, and providing clear guidance to align the team's goals and maintain high morale under pressure.

What is the difference between Navy Commander vs Navy Captain?

AspectNavy CommanderNavy Captain
Rank LevelO-5 (equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel)O-6 (equivalent to Colonel)
ResponsibilitiesLeading a squadron or a group of ships/submarinesCommand of a large ship or a significant naval unit
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, leadership experienceMilitary commission, extensive leadership experience
Work EnvironmentNaval ships, maritime operationsNaval ships, maritime operations

The main difference between a Navy Commander and a Navy Captain lies in their rank and scope of responsibility. A Navy Commander typically leads a squadron or a group of ships, while a Navy Captain commands a large ship or a major naval unit. Both roles require military commissions and leadership experience, but the Captain holds a higher rank and broader command responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a Navy Commander?

Becoming a Navy Commander requires progressing through multiple ranks, typically over 10-15 years, and demonstrating leadership, technical expertise, and successful completion of required training and education. Candidates must also meet physical fitness standards and pass various evaluations, including command and staff officer qualifications.

What does a Navy Commander do in the Navy?

A Navy Commander is a senior officer responsible for leading and managing naval units, overseeing operations, personnel, and strategic planning. They coordinate missions, ensure safety and discipline, and often have specialized training in navigation, combat, or engineering. Commanders typically hold leadership roles in ships, submarines, or shore-based facilities and require a strong understanding of military protocols and leadership skills.
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What cities are hiring for Navy Commander jobs?

Cities with the most Navy Commander job openings:

What states have the most Navy Commander jobs?

States with the most job openings for Navy Commander jobs include:

Infographic showing various Navy Commander job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,898 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Commander, Navy Installations Command rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
Support the Military's Quality of Life programs! The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) provides fitness, recreation, lodging and food and beverage programs for service members, their families, retired military and civilian employees. This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Community Recreation, and Deployed Support Branch; Fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor.
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Duties
Help
  • Manages the operation and utilization of indoor and outdoor fitness, sports, and aquatic facility.
  • Ensures proper maintenance and utilization of all sports, fitness and aquatic facilities and equipment including fitness centers, two gymnasiums, running tracks, and pool.
  • Administers and supervises performance of work to keep buildings and capital equipment in good repair, providing input to design and construction of in house and self-help projects.
  • Acts as the liaison to the Public Works Department and or the coordination and accomplishment of facilities maintenance, repair and construction.
  • Develops and prepares budget estimates, studies schedules, and work plans, relation to the department mission and facility needs for the short and long term as determined by the local command and higher authorities.
  • Oversees and coordinates Athletic Department Preventive Maintenance Program, including facilities and equipment and is the liaison with Command Health, Safety and Fire Offices.
  • Reviews and forwards for action all work requests through the Facilities Department.
  • Informs managers of work in progress.
  • Provides data for utilization analysis of existing facilities to ensure effectiveness in light of command goals.
  • Acts as the facility's "customer liaison" to assure timely and quality-controlled performance of project work by Public Works, and contractors.
  • Establishes and maintains accurate property control systems in accordance with higher directives. (e.g., DRMO and receiving of all athletic property.)
  • Determines property/equipment condition to justify either turn-in for disposal or repairs required.
  • Has continuing technical responsibilities for equipment utilization within the Athletics Department.
  • Establishes and maintains a property/equipment life expectancy plan for all athletic equipment.
  • Develops and implements equipment preventative maintenance plans.
  • Promotes the use of the athletic facilities for maximum participation on year round basis, serving large communities of up to 60,000 naval personnel, retirees, civilians, and their eligible family members.
  • Determines which facilities, personnel, and supplies are required, etc.
  • Controls the scheduled use of athletic facilities and equipment for military fitness training, league play utilizing softball, basketball, flag football and volleyball courts.
  • Responsible for contacting, interviewing and initial selection of application seeking employment at the Fitness Center.
  • Supervises staff to include, but not limited to facility leads, counter attendants, and volunteers.
  • Delegates and coordinates task among facility leads, providing guidance and assistance in complex matters.
  • Oversees, creates, modifies and coordinates staffing schedules for multi-purposes facilities.
  • Supervises and coordinates the operations of the recreation facilities, including scheduling, writing performance appraisals, authorizing leave, resolving grievances, interviewing and hiring employees.
  • Identifies training and developmental need of staff.
  • Provides direction and counsel to employees, establishes goals and expected performance; evaluates work performance in a timely manner; hears and resolves complaints; effects minor disciplinary measures (i.e., warnings, reprimands).
  • Assures full cooperation in development of EEO Affirmative Action Plan and with personnel involved with EEO matters.
  • All employees will be assured of receiving equal consideration in determine qualifications, selections, promotion, training, details, discipline and awards of employees.
  • Attends meetings when requested, with command, athletic and recreation representative, contributing suggestions for determining sports and fitness interests and participating in the evaluation of the sports and fitness programs by analyzing participation, attendance and morale of personnel utilizing the facilities within established agency policies and guidelines.
  • Works with commands to schedule fitness facilities.
  • Prepares and justifies budgetary requirements and identifies and prioritizes the procurement of supplies and equipment as it pertains to facility operation of ongoing sports and fitness programming.
  • Maintains accountability of all resources.
  • Conducts periodic reviews to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must meet Federal Employment suitability requirements and successful completion of background investigation.
  • Must be able to work a schedule that meets the needs of the program

Qualifications
  • Knowledge of the range of activities, services, and participants, interests, and of methods and processes for managing a sports, fitness, and aquatics program at an installation, which enables the incumbent to plan and conduct a program that meets patron needs.
  • In-depth knowledge of the advanced principles and concepts as well as the practical knowledge of the complex technical and administrative requirements of designing, implementing, and monitoring modern sport, fitness, and aquatics facilities and programs at several dispersed locations is required.
  • Knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of the overall community services program and the skill to interpret and promote the program through media, public appearances, and other promotional procedures.
  • Skilled in applying complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Ability to conduct studies to recommend improvements, streamline operations/methods, consolidate processes and functions.
  • Knowledge of current affirmative action plans and thorough understanding of the Equal Employment Opportunity program.
  • Knowledge of the principles of personnel management, involving recruitment, selection, hiring, training, and development, and the general provisions for the needs of human resources in an organization.
  • Detailed knowledge of the policies, procedures, and precedents that apply to space utilization to analyze/evaluate information, interpret guidance and draw conclusions.
  • Knowledge in planning budget requirements.

Education
Must have one of the following:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Recreation* management or related field; AND/OR
  • Minimum three years of specialized experience in recreation programming or facility management.

*Related field includes Outdoor Recreation, Recreation and Parks Leadership, Wild Land Management, Natural Resources Recreation, Youth Recreation, Public, Urban, or Community Recreation, special populations recreation (e.g. senior citizens, institutional, etc.), or Physical Education.**If claiming education in place of specialized experience, you must include your transcripts in your application in order to be considered for this position.
Additional information
Salary is dependent on experience and/or education. Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period.
Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate. For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes.
Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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