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Watch Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

WATCH OFFICER

Doral, FL · On-site

$113K/yr

... watch teams and leveraging Joint command and control automated information systems to analyze ... flag officer or senior executive decision-makers. This definition of specialized experience is ...

WATCH OFFICER

Doral, FL · On-site

$113K/yr

... watch teams and leveraging Joint command and control automated information systems to analyze ... flag officer or senior executive decision-makers. This definition of specialized experience is ...

WATCH OFFICER

Doral, FL · On-site +1

$113K - $147K/yr

Lead the multi-service Joint Operations Center (JOC) watch team to monitor emergent national ... flag officer or senior executive decision-makers. This definition of specialized experience is ...

They stand their own watch, primarily during daytime and evening hours when senior officers are available, provided they are deemed fit and competent by the Master. The 2nd Officer ensures adherence ...

STCW * II/1: Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch * II/4: Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch * II/5: Able Seafarer- Deck * IV/2: GMDSS Operator * VI/1: Basic Safety Training * VI/2: ...

Serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway, exercising delegated authority from the Master for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. * Directs and ...

Serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway, exercising delegated authority from the Master for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. * Directs and ...

Serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway, exercising delegated authority from the Master for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. * Directs and ...

TOCRON Watch Officer, TacMobile analysis subsystem operator, and TacMobile advanced airborne sensor subsystem operator. * TacMobile system deployment experience to 5th, 6th, and 7th fleets. TOC watch ...

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Watch Officer information

What is a watch officer?

Watch Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing operations during a specific shift or 'watch' period, often in maritime, military, emergency response, or security settings. Their duties typically include monitoring activities, coordinating communication, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to incidents as needed. Watch Officers play a critical role in maintaining situational awareness and facilitating smooth transitions between shifts. They must be detail-oriented, able to make quick decisions, and possess strong leadership skills. The role may vary depending on the industry, but the core responsibility is to ensure operations run efficiently and safely during their watch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watch officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watch Officer, you need a solid understanding of navigation, maritime safety regulations, and vessel operations, typically supported by a maritime academy degree and Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, ECDIS, and communication equipment is integral to the role. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and leadership skills help manage crew and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills ensure safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and effective response to dynamic maritime situations.

What are some common challenges faced by watch officers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Watch Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness during long shifts, handling multiple incidents simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication among team members and stakeholders. To manage these effectively, it is crucial to follow established protocols, utilize checklists, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Regular training, strong teamwork, and effective use of monitoring tools can also help Watch Officers stay organized and responsive during high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Watch Officer vs Marine Safety Officer?

AspectWatch OfficerMarine Safety Officer
CredentialsSTCW certifications, maritime trainingMaritime safety certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentShip bridge, maritime operationsPorts, maritime safety agencies, regulatory bodies
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime vesselsGovernment agencies, maritime safety organizations
Search & ComparisonOften searched together due to maritime safety rolesRelated but more regulatory-focused

While both roles involve maritime safety, a Watch Officer primarily oversees navigation and vessel operations onboard ships, requiring maritime certifications. A Marine Safety Officer works in safety regulation, inspections, and compliance within maritime agencies or ports. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the maritime industry.

How do you become a watch officer?

To become a watch officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant maritime training or certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or STCW certification. Prior experience at sea or in related roles is often required, along with strong communication and navigation skills, and the ability to work in shifts on a vessel or maritime environment.

How much do watch officers make?

Watch officers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require certifications such as security or safety training and work in environments like transportation hubs, maritime ports, or security operations.

What are popular job titles related to Watch Officer jobs in Florida?

For Watch Officer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Watch Officer jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Watch Officer jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 494 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: Join us at the United States Southern Command. We provide direct support to a four-star unified Combatant Commander, but are compact enough that our staff also works with senior leadership representatives of our inter-service, inter-agency and (public and private) international partner organizations. Our contribution to furthering our country's relationships with South and Central American nations and peoples are substantial.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) analyzing multi-domain military operations (air, land, maritime) within a Command Center, to include characterizing emerging national security threats, conducting time-critical crisis actions, and executing operational reporting procedures (OPREPs) in support of deliberate planning, crisis action, or contingency operations; 2) Serving as a technical expert and liaison, coordinating strategic capabilities, validating and transmitting Emergency Action Messages (EAMs), and maintaining continuous command and control connectivity across high-level stakeholders; and 3) Leading multi-functional watch teams and leveraging Joint command and control automated information systems to analyze complex situational data, resolve operational bottlenecks, and formulate concise, substantive recommendations for general/flag officer or senior executive decision-makers. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education: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.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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