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Watch Commander Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Respond to various calls from the Command Center, including issues related to doors, elevators ... Maintain both East and West plants, Watch Office and equipment in clean, safe and orderly condition.

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Job Title: Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI ... High school diploma * 3-5 years of experience working in a DOD / Government operations or command ...

Job Title: Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI ... High school diploma * 3-5 years of experience working in a DOD / Government operations or command ...

Job Title: Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI ... High school diploma * 3-5 years of experience working in a DOD / Government operations or command ...

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Watch Commander information

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$5

$13

$19

How much do watch commander jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for watch commander in the United States is $13.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.58 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a watch commander?

A Watch Commander is a supervisory law enforcement officer who oversees police operations during a specific shift, often called a 'watch.' They are responsible for managing personnel, responding to major incidents, and making critical decisions to ensure public safety. Watch Commanders typically coordinate resources, provide guidance to officers, and serve as the highest-ranking official on duty during their shift. Their duties may vary depending on the size and structure of the police department, but they play a crucial role in maintaining order and effective communication within the team.

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

To thrive as a Watch Commander, you need extensive experience in law enforcement or security management, strong leadership abilities, and often supervisory certification or relevant training. Familiarity with incident command systems, radio communication equipment, and digital incident reporting tools is typically required. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure that critical situations are managed efficiently, team safety is upheld, and organizational protocols are consistently followed.

How does a watch commander typically interact with other departments during emergency situations?

A Watch Commander plays a pivotal role in coordinating responses during emergencies by acting as the central point of communication between different departments such as patrol units, detectives, fire services, and medical responders. They are responsible for assessing situations, allocating resources, and ensuring that all involved teams are informed and working cohesively. This often involves making quick decisions, prioritizing incidents, and facilitating clear, ongoing communication to resolve situations efficiently while maintaining public safety.

What is the difference between Watch Commander vs Security Supervisor?

AspectWatch CommanderSecurity Supervisor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Security Guard LicenseCPR, First Aid, Security Guard License
Work EnvironmentSecurity sites, patrols, emergency responseOverseeing security teams, site management
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, private security, law enforcement supportSecurity companies, corporate security departments

Watch Commanders typically focus on overseeing security operations on-site, responding to incidents, and managing security personnel during shifts. Security Supervisors also manage security teams but often have broader responsibilities including administrative tasks and staff training. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to security operations, but the Watch Commander is more operationally focused, while the Security Supervisor has a managerial oversight role.

How much do watch commanders make?

Watch commanders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, experience, and department size. They often work in law enforcement or security settings, requiring leadership skills and knowledge of protocols.
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What states have the most Watch Commander jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Watch Commander job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,432 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Full-time

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Job description

401-Security - 4202-401 Security Supervisor I

Under general direction of a Supervisor II or Watch Commander, supervises the security and traffic safety activities of Security Division personnel.

Exercises supervision of an assigned shift of personnel; responds to and documents reports of serious incidents; coordinates field search and emergency activities; patrols the community and enforces regulations. May serve as Watch Commander as well as Scheduling Supervisor.

Work involves regular contact with residents, other Divisions and Departments, law enforcement, fire and medical services, other public agencies and the public.

Must be able to work a rotating schedule between day, swing and graveyard shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Plans, organizes, supervises and participates in a variety of security activities. Confers with the Supervisor II or Watch Commander concerning Division objectives, policies, problems and matters affecting other Divisions and Departments. Plans and implements new programs or procedures in accordance with established objectives.

Implements and participates in developing work programs and schedules. Implements and makes effective recommendations regarding Division training and safety programs.

Supervision is exercised over an assigned shift of Security Division personnel including Gate Ambassadors, Gate Ambassador Rovers, Security Patrol Officers, Traffic Specialists, Dispatchers and other Security personnel on duty.

Provides active and continuous engagement in the events and personnel of the shift, including feedback to subordinates through positive leadership and continuous training, testing, coaching, and counseling on work performance, including safety, attention to duty, appearance, report writing and positive community relations. Administers prompt corrective action and progressive discipline to correct performance deficiencies.

The Security Supervisor I is an exempt position.

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.