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Watchstander Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

C-UAS Field Service Watchstander

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$30.58 - $53.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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Watchstander information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$74.7K

$134.3K

How much do watchstander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for watchstander in Virginia is $74,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a watchstander?

A Watchstander is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the safety and security of a facility, vessel, or operational environment. Duties typically include observing surveillance systems, responding to emergencies, maintaining logs, and communicating with relevant personnel. Watchstanders are commonly found in the military, maritime, and security sectors. The role requires attentiveness, quick decision-making, and adherence to protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the watchstander position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watchstander, you need strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety and security protocols, often supported by maritime or military training. Familiarity with communication equipment, radar, navigation systems, and relevant certifications such as STCW or military qualifications are typically required. Effective teamwork, reliability, and clear verbal communication help you excel in a dynamic environment. These competencies are critical to ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of vessels or facilities during assigned watches.

What are the typical working hours and environment like for a watchstander?

Watchstanders often work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure round-the-clock coverage for vessels or facilities. The job typically takes place in settings such as ship bridges, control rooms, or security operations centers, where consistent monitoring and rapid response are essential. You may work as part of a small, close-knit team and frequently collaborate with supervisors, engineers, or security personnel to address any incidents or potential hazards. The environment can be high-pressure, but it provides valuable experience in maritime or security operations and can lead to advancement into supervisory or specialized roles.

What are popular job titles related to Watchstander jobs in Virginia?

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

Infographic showing various Watchstander job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,685 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Watchstander / Dispatcher CNIC (Italy) - Secret Clearance

Tenica and Associates LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Watchstander / Dispatcher (Italy) - Secret Clearance


Department: CNIC

Location: Italy


ACTIVE DOD SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION

As a Watchstander you will be part of a team of Watchstanders providing 24/7 coverage. Duties will include supporting the monitoring, collection and sharing of all aspects of information and knowledge management using Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) tools. The requirements include maintaining 24/7 situational awareness and situational understanding in accordance with the Commander's Critical Information Requirements, local directives, and Standard Operating Procedures. Position requires working normal duty days and conducting occasional shift work (12 hours a day) during the absence of a scheduled watchstander, working day or night shifts, and occasional surge work in support of Regional Operations.


Responsibilities:

• Provide 24/7 situational awareness and situational understanding of activities of interest in the Region

• Prepare oral and written briefings and dismantle briefings

• Maintain and track status of equipment in ROC

• Provide immediate response to situations requiring immediate action or notification regarding ongoing activities in Region

• Support crisis action management in support of Region operations

• Screen, categorize and distribute incoming messages

• Control access into the Regional Operations Center

• Execute Continuity of Operations actives

• Prepare execute summaries and other reports as directed and required by policy and Standard Operating Procedures

• Receive and process information into situational awareness displays

• Provide all-hazards warnings

• Coordinate with core Protection Ashore capabilities including Fire and Emergency Services, Anti-Terrorism, and Emergency Management staffs


Qualifications:

ACTIVE DOD SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION

• Knowledge of DOD Title 10 responsibilities desired

• Knowledge of Navy/DOD organization, role of CNIC, and Navy/DOD mission • Demonstrate the ability to analyze information and make recommendations under rapidly changing conditions

• Demonstrate the ability to articulate complex issues and resolutions both orally and verbally

• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and work under constant pressure

• Skills in applying complex fact-finding, analytical, and problem solving methods and techniques

• Skill in written and oral communications sufficient to prepare and present findings and recommendations to senior officials

• Ability to work multiple actions concurrently

• Must be a U.S. Citizen


Education and/or Experience:

• High School diploma required, Bachelor's Degree desired

• Ten Years of Military Experience recommended

• Five years DOD or DHS operations center environment experience recommended


Requirements/Abilities:

Experience using Navy Protection Ashore C4I Suite desired

Certified Public Safety Dispatcher to the OS II requirements

Must complete the following on-line courses before work start date:

• FEMA Course ICS 100, Introduction to Incident Command System

• FEMA Course ICS 200, ICS for Single Resources/Initial Action

• FEMA Course IS-700, National Incident Management System

• FEMA Course IS-800, National Response Plan


Employment Type: Full-Time

Geographic Location: Naples, Italy


TENICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.