Staff Operations Officer

📍 Washington, District of Columbia · 🏛 Central Intelligence Agency · 💰 $72,254–$109,975 per year · 🎓 GS 9–11 · 🧭 Intelligence (0132) · ⏳ Closes Jan 31, 2027 · 81 days left · 🗓 Posted Sep 1, 2026
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About this job

Staff Operations Officers provide integration between CIA Headquarters and Directorate of Operations field offices, program management, and operational case management to drive clandestine operations.

Duties

As a Staff Operations Officer for the CIA, you will provide the seamless integration between CIA Headquarters and Directorate of Operations (DO) offices in the field necessary to drive clandestine operations to success. Your effectiveness, versatility, and resourcefulness as a Staff Operations Officer is critical to the success of the DO's most creative, challenging, and impactful operations. Staff Operations Officers apply advanced knowledge and expertise of clandestine operations, operational tradecraft, and intelligence priorities when providing strategic guidance and operational case management. In addition, Staff Operations Officers are responsible for program management throughout the DO, from traditional operational activities to specialized initiatives and Covert Action. The demanding pace of DO has Staff Operations Officers finding solutions to complex operational problems, identifying new technical tools and capabilities to advance operations, and tapping the resources of the DO, CIA, and U.S. Government to ensure operational requirements are met. Staff Operations Officers provide objective reviews of on-going and potential operations and serve as the vital link between DO officers in the field, CIA Headquarters, and the Intelligence Community. Many Staff Operations Officers will spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area having opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for Staff Operations Officers to serve multi-year postings overseas exist, but these positions are competitive. All DO officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work - as one team. DO officers are hired into one of two programs: the Clandestine Service Trainee (CST) program or the Professional Trainee (PT) program. A CST has three or more years of professional experience, while a PT has less than three years of professional experience. DO officers begin their careers learning the foundations of operations via classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience gained through a series of interim assignments. Based on the program into which each applicant is hired, the number of interim assignments will vary. As part of the program, some DO officers will be expected to: Operate a motor vehicle without second-party assistance in daytime and nighttime conditions; Traverse uneven terrain, to include climbing and descending staircases, over fixed minimum distances and in varying weather conditions; Work non-traditional or erratic schedules; Make reasoned decisions under time constraints. This position requires a 5-year Contract Term Agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Personal integrity Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) Action- and results-oriented Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations. Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation Desired Qualifications Ability to take initiative and deliver results Ability to develop and maintain broad networks across the CIA and the U.S. Government Deal effectively, comfortably, and confidently with people at all levels of responsibility, authority, and rank Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure View challenge and uncertainty as opportunity Confidence and authoritative voice in strategic operational decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university) At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred

Evaluations

For more information, please visit: Staff Operations Officer.

How to apply

This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit Staff Operations Officer, where you can read more about this position and express your interest in up to four jobs. Upon expressing your interest, you will be taken to MyLINK, which allows you to submit your resume and job rankings and provide basic information about yourself.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

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Required documents

For further information, please visit: Staff Operations Officer.

What to expect next

After you express interest for up to four positions on cia.gov/careers, a CIA recruiter may contact you for further discussion if your qualifications meet our needs. See the MyLINK FAQs on our website for more information.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Staff Operations Officer job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $72,254–$109,975 per year (GS 9–11).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Jan 31, 2027 — 81 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the Central Intelligence Agency.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 24-12182948-7031/CSHD · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Staff Operations Officer
Jan 31, 2027 deadlineApply