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Operational Psychologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities include psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, trauma recovery, resilience training, crisis intervention, and supporting the operational ...

Responsibilities include psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, trauma recovery, resilience training, crisis intervention, and supporting the operational ...

Responsibilities include psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, trauma recovery, resilience training, crisis intervention, and supporting the operational ...

Responsibilities include psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, trauma recovery, resilience training, crisis intervention, and supporting the operational ...

Special Operations Forces personnel and their families by integrating clinical psychology, operational psychology, behavioral health, resilience, assessment and selection, and performance ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Psychologist information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$92K

$395.1K

How much do operational psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational psychologist in Virginia is $92,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational psychologist do?

An Operational Psychologist applies psychological principles to support military, law enforcement, and intelligence operations. They assist with personnel selection, training, performance optimization, and stress management in high-risk environments. They may also provide expertise in areas such as resilience training, interrogation support, and threat assessment. Their work helps enhance decision-making, mission effectiveness, and overall psychological well-being of personnel in operational settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Psychologist, you need an advanced degree in psychology, licensure to practice, and a strong understanding of psychological assessment and intervention techniques in high-stress environments. Familiarity with assessment tools, data analysis software, and adherence to ethical standards specific to operational or military psychology is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure make candidates stand out. These qualifications enable Operational Psychologists to support mission readiness and mental resilience within demanding organizational settings.

What types of teams or professionals does an operational psychologist typically work with?

Operational Psychologists often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, medical staff, and leadership. They provide psychological consultation, support resilience training, and assist with selection processes or critical incident responses. These professionals frequently work in both field and office environments, adapting to diverse operational needs. Effective teamwork and communication are essential, as the role requires integrating psychological expertise within fast-paced, mission-focused organizations.

How do you become an operational psychologist?

To become an operational psychologist, you typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., along with specialized training in applied or military psychology. Licensing or certification is usually required, and gaining experience through internships or military service can be beneficial for working in operational or high-stress environments.

How much do operational psychologists make?

Operational psychologists typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific agency or organization. They often work in high-stress environments requiring specialized training and security clearances.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia?

For Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Psychologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operational Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Operational Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Operational Psychologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,017 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

$121K/yr

Full-time

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


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: The Clinical Psychologist provides support to the A. T. Augusta Military Medical Center, Dumfries Health Clinic, Dumfries VA, helping ensure consistent, high-quality patient care and facility operations.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Clinical Psychologist:
Degree:Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology.
Licensure: This position requires a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Psychology independently offered by a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes evaluating client needs using biopsychosocial models, developing evidence-based behavioral health plans, and providing therapeutic counseling. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone-- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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