Targeting Officer
Job details at a glance
| Agency | Central Intelligence Agency |
|---|---|
| Department | Other Agencies and Independent Organizations |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Salary | $72,254–$109,975 per year |
| Grade | GS 9–11 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Occupation series | Intelligence (0132) |
| Openings | Many |
| Hiring paths | Competitive service, Excepted service, Open to the public |
| Posted | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Telework eligible | No |
| Remote job | No |
| Security clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information |
| Relocation expenses reimbursed | Yes |
| Promotion potential | 15 |
About this job
Targeting Officers identify the people, relationships, and organizations with access to information needed to find opportunities to disrupt threats to U.S. interests.
Duties
As a Targeting Officer at CIA, you will identify the people, relationships, and organizations having access to the information needed to address the most critical U.S. foreign intelligence requirements and find opportunities to disrupt terrorist attacks, illegal arms trade, drug networks, cyber threats, and counterintelligence threats. Targeting Officers are integral to the planning and implementation of Directorate of Operations (DO) foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. You will combine specialized training, utilize advanced analytic skills and tools, and in-depth knowledge and experience in DO operational tradecraft to identify new opportunities for DO activities and enhance ongoing operations. Many Targeting Officers spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area with opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for Targeting 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 Action and results oriented Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work independently and in team Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to CIA Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation Desired Qualifications Inquisitive and investigative Determined, focused, and mission-driven team players Drawn to complex tasks and finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles Articulate complex analysis verbally and in written communication Ability to shift focus quickly, work on multiple tasks concurrently, and excel in high-pressure/high-impact situations Ability to learn and apply the latest technologies
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 preferred
Evaluations
For more information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.
How to apply
This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/, 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.
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗Required documents
For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.
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 Targeting 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.
More jobs at Central Intelligence Agency
Field IT Engineer
🏛 Central Intelligence Agency📍 Washington, District of Columbia💰 $75,332–$133,142 per yearPosted Oct 1, 202681 days leftAnnouncement 24-12199247-6902/DIHD · closes Jan 31, 2027 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗Technical Research, Development and Engineering Officer
🏛 Central Intelligence Agency📍 Washington, District of Columbia💰 $70,623–$197,200 per yearPosted Sep 3, 202681 days leftAnnouncement 26-13056928 · closes Jan 31, 2027 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗CIA Student Internship Program
🏛 Central Intelligence Agency📍 Washington, District of Columbia💰 $54,378–$71,209 per yearPosted Sep 1, 202681 days leftAnnouncement 26-13057222 · closes Jan 31, 2027 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗Graphics Designer
🏛 Central Intelligence Agency📍 Washington, District of Columbia💰 $63,940–$158,322 per yearPosted Sep 1, 202681 days leftAnnouncement 26-13034076 · closes Jan 31, 2027 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗Enterprise Support Specialist
🏛 Central Intelligence Agency📍 Washington, District of Columbia💰 $63,940–$102,540 per yearPosted Sep 1, 202681 days leftAnnouncement 26-13022160 · closes Jan 31, 2027 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗
All Central Intelligence Agency jobs →
More Intelligence jobs
Supervisory Intelligence Specialist (S&T Analyst)
🏛 U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command📍 Charlottesville, Virginia💰 $125,776–$192,764 per yearPosted Nov 11, 20267 days leftAnnouncement SDST-26-13114063-DCIPS · closes Nov 18, 2026 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗Intellgience Specialist
🏛 U.S. Marine Corps📍 Fort Meade Naval Facilities, Maryland💰 $102,415–$133,142 per yearPosted Nov 10, 20265 days leftAnnouncement ST-13112500-27-LE · closes Nov 16, 2026 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗SUPERVISORY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST (STAFF MANAGEMENT)
🏛 HQDA Field Operating Agencies and Staff Support Agencies📍 Fort Belvoir, Virginia💰 $169,279–$197,200 per yearPosted Nov 10, 20265 days leftAnnouncement SDST-27-13113045-DCIPS · closes Nov 16, 2026 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
🏛 Air National Guard Units📍 Syracuse, New York💰 $89,508–$116,362 per yearPosted Nov 10, 202629 days leftAnnouncement NY-13104810-AF-T32027-031 · closes Dec 10, 2026 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗INTELLIGENCE ANALYST
🏛 Federal Bureau of Investigation📍 Location Negotiable After Selection💰 $43,106–$82,938 per yearPosted Nov 10, 202616 days leftAnnouncement DESTIMP-13114742-27-CT · closes Nov 27, 2026 · Official announcement on USAJobs ↗