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Watch Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

System One

Watch Officer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Responsibilities * Support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a Watch Officer, providing continuous watch ...

System One

Watch Officer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Responsibilities * Support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a Watch Officer, providing continuous watch ...

System One

Watch Officer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Responsibilities * Support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a Watch Officer, providing continuous watch ...

GDIT

Watch Officer (Shift Lead)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $25.25/hr

Yes Watch Officer (Shift Lead) Position Summary The Watch Officer serves as the senior authority on the watch floor for an assigned shift in a 24x7x365 cyber command center supporting national cyber ...

New

USA JOBS

Continuity Watch Officer

Bluemont, VA · On-site

$121K/yr

Candidates hired at Grade 13 will be eligible for a non-competitive promotion to Grade 14 upon successful completion of the Continuity Watch Officer certification program and meeting other ...

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All JobsWatch Officer JobsWatch Officer Jobs in Virginia

Watch Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$18.5K

$64.2K

$136.2K

How much do watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for watch officer in Virginia is $64,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,607.00 and $81,692.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Watch Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Watch Officer job openings:

Watch Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,154 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Watch Officer

System One

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title: Watch Officer Fort Belvoir, Virginia Onsite Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI

Responsibilities

  • Support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a Watch Officer, providing continuous watch, briefing, and operational support for the DTRA Operations Center and Incident Management System.
  • Manage operational data of the operation center, monitoring data feeds using technical systems, assessing threats or hazards in real time, and deploying communication tools to ensure leadership has an accurate operational picture.
  • Maintain a constant state of readiness, tracking all operational data to support operations center activities.
  • Anticipate contingencies by foreseeing potential emergencies, reducing response times, and initiating swift, coordinated actions.
  • Stay current with evolving technologies, standard operating procedures, and the tactical/strategic environment.
Requirements
  • High school diploma
  • 3-5 years of experience working in a DOD / Government operations or command center
  • Hands-on working knowledge of Adobe Product Family, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is preferred

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#LI-KA1 #M1

Ref: #851-Rockville-S1

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About System One

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

System One helps employers get work done more efficiently and economically without compromising quality. Over our 35+ year history, we've helped connect thousands of talented people with innovative companies. The excitement of a perfect fit motivates us every single day.

Industry

Business consulting services and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

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