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Watchstander Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our ...

Watchstander information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$74.7K

$134.3K

How much do watchstander jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 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 job?

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:
What job categories do people searching Watchstander jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Watchstander jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Watchstander job openings in Virginia as of July 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.
C-UAS Field Service Watchstander

C-UAS Field Service Watchstander

Parsons

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$30.58 - $53.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for amazingly talented Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Field ServiceWatchstandersto join our team! In this role, you will support high-visibility protective operations across Washington DC and Miami in support of U.S. Government clients. You willmonitorairspace for UAS threats, conduct real-time coordination with government and interagency partners, and provide both operational and technical support for the client's C-UAS program. This position requires 24/7 shift work and TDY travel to support multiple operational sites.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Monitoring multiple C-UAS capabilities ensuring real-time airspace awareness and reporting UAS eventsin accordance withlocal SOPs.

  • Safely operating and articulating C-UAS mitigation capabilitiesin accordance withlocal SOP and direction from authorized U.S. Government representatives.

  • Conducting real-time coordination with military, law enforcement, and interagency partners during operations.

  • Providing shift coverage for 24/7 operations including nights, weekends, and holidays as mission requires.

  • Supporting C-UAS demonstrations, testing, evaluations, and training.

  • Performing technical inspections, system checks, fault diagnosis, and LRU replacement to restore C-UAS systems to full functionality.

  • Conducting scheduled maintenance, daily and/or weekly log pulls, and remote system health monitoring.

  • Producingaccuratewritten documentation including maintenance reports, operational logs, incident reports, and technical assessments.

  • Deploying to multiple CONUS locations on short notice to meet mission requirements.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • High school diploma/GED with 8+ years military, law enforcement, or technical operations experience - OR - relevant degree/associate's degree with applicable experience.

  • Experience with shift work,watchstanding, or 24/7 operations.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • SECRET Security Clearance (minimum); TS/SCI preferred.

  • U.S. citizenship and valid U.S. passport (or ability to obtain).

  • Ability to obtaina Class1 DOS medical clearance.

  • Willingness to TDY up to 75% of the work year across multiple CONUS sites.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.

  • Military experience in Air Traffic Control, Air Defense, Radar, Communications, Intelligence, Aviation, or Security Forces.

  • Law enforcement or security operations background.

  • Experience flying Group 1-2 rotary or fixed-wing UAS.

  • Experience with RF technologies, radar systems, computer networks,orelectronic systems.

  • Combat or high-tempo operational deployment experience.

  • Leadership or supervisory experience in operational settings.

  • Academic UAS experience through accredited programs.

Why Join Our Team:

  • Support critical national security missions in high-visibility protective operations.

  • Comprehensive internal training pipeline - we develop our people.

  • Opportunity to work withcutting-edgeC-UAS technology.

  • Career growth potential in an expanding program.

  • Work alongside experienced military, law enforcement, and technical professionals.

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $30.58 - $53.51We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.


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