Targeting 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

Job details at a glance

AgencyCentral Intelligence Agency
DepartmentOther Agencies and Independent Organizations
LocationWashington, District of Columbia
Salary$72,254–$109,975 per year
GradeGS 9–11
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesIntelligence (0132)
OpeningsMany
Hiring pathsCompetitive service, Excepted service, Open to the public
PostedSep 1, 2026
Application deadlineJan 31, 2027
Telework eligibleNo
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceSensitive Compartmented Information
Relocation expenses reimbursedYes
Promotion potential15
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

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.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 24-12182976-7032/CSHD · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Targeting Officer
Jan 31, 2027 deadline
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