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Watch Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CBRN Watch Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

SGI Global is seeking a CBRN Watch Officer to support the FEMA CBRN Watch Operations. The CBRN watch will coordinate, share, and perform analysis on relevant operational information related to ...

SGI Global is seeking a CBRN Watch Officer to support the FEMA CBRN Watch Operations. The CBRN watch will coordinate, share, and perform analysis on relevant operational information related to ...

CBRN Watch Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

SGI Global is seeking a CBRN Watch Officer to support the FEMA CBRN Watch Operations. The CBRN watch will coordinate, share, and perform analysis on relevant operational information related to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Watch Officer (Shift Lead)

Arlington, VA

$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

Sr. Intelligence Watch Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$106K - $134K/yr

The Senior Intelligence Watch Officer serves as a senior member of a 24/7 intelligence operations team, providing real-time monitoring, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence ...

The Senior Intelligence Watch Officer serves as a senior member of a 24/7 intelligence operations team, providing real-time monitoring, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence ...

New

Watch Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$110 - $170/hr

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) has a requirement for a law enforcement and security subject matter expert (SME) to support OCSO as a United States ...

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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 Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Watch Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Watch Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Watch Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

CBRN Watch Officer

SGI Global, LLC

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

SGI Global is seeking a CBRN Watch Officer to support the FEMA CBRN Watch Operations. The CBRN watch will coordinate, share, and perform analysis on relevant operational information related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, (CBRN) and medical events or incidents worldwide that consist of potential CBRN agents, counter proliferation of CBRN and CBRN dual use material, terrorism related to the use, theft, and illegal possession of CBRN material, and provide alert and notification of CWMD incidents.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • The Watch Officer shall be responsible for all duties related to the FEMA CBRN Watch desk.
  • The Watch Officers will receive information; perform analysis of the data and draft products.
  • The Watch Officer shall operate the CBRN Emergency Notification System to alert and notify CBRN personnel to scripted scenarios in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • The Watch Officer shall monitor and review 24/7/365 all levels of information to include classified systems and folders for CBRN and medical related information as it pertains to CBRN and medical incidents and events.
  • The Watch Officer shall provide situational awareness and coordination of events occurring worldwide across the CBRN and medical mission area and draft, prepare, and coordinate operational analytic products and report to inform FEMA leadership.
  • The Watch Officer will maintain awareness of all-source information capabilities as it relates to CBRN and medical and DHS Operations.
  • The Watch Officer will be required to understand homeland security operational tradecraft and analytical capability of the CBRN and medical risk and threat to the homeland and develop high quality operational analysis products as they relate to the CBRN mission.
  • The Watch Officer will perform license checks for alarms that have manifested data associated with them and brief the results during an alarm.
  • The Watch Officer will track, document, and maintain records of alarms and perform NRC license checks for alarms.
  • The Watch Officer will coordinate with and across the Federal Interagency, DHS Components, CWMD, to include CWMD LNOs, as appropriate.

Minimum Requirements
  • Associates level degree in a related field i.e. (Homeland Security, health, or CBRN degree)
  • A minimum of 4 years of related experience ie. Military or Law Enforcement Operational or Intelligence experience.
  • Must have the ability to obtain DHS Suitability and must possess a TS/SCI clearance
  • Must be certified in accordance with Desk Officer Certification Program within 2 months of hire.

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.