CIA Targeting Officer Position

CIA Targeting Officer Position

Work Schedule:	Full Time
Salary:	$56,805 – $86,460
Location:	Washington, DC metropolitan area

The Directorate of Operations (DO) is a cadre of action- and results-oriented professionals who accept significant, demanding responsibilities and accountability for results. Minimum requirements for a DO position include:

• US citizenship at the time of application (dual national US citizens are eligible)
• Personal integrity
• A four year college/university degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four year degree will be considered)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
• Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and DO

All Directorate of Operations (DO) officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work – as one team. DO officers begin their careers spending one to two years learning the foundations of clandestine operational tradecraft via classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience gained through a series of interim assignments. Following successful completion of the foundational training each DO officer will transition into advanced training activity to prepare them to serve effectively in the following career occupational specialty:

• Targeting Officer (TO)

Directorate of Operations (DO) Targeting Officers are integral to the planning and implementation of DO foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and Covert Action operations. They combine specialized training, advanced analytical skills, the most sophisticated analytical tools available, and in-depth knowledge and experience in DO operational tradecraft to identify new opportunities for DO operational activity and to enhance ongoing operations.

TOs are:

• Inquisitive, investigative, and action oriented
• Determined, focused and mission driven team players
• Drawn to complex tasks and finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles

TOs can:

• Articulate complex analysis orally and in written communication
• Shift focus quickly, work on multiple tasks concurrently, and excel in high-pressure/high-impact situations
• Learn and apply the latest technologies

TOs identify the people, relationships, and organizations having access to the information needed to address the most critical US foreign intelligence requirements and find opportunities to disrupt terrorist attacks, illegal arms trade, drug networks, cyber threats, and counterintelligence threats.

Entry level DO Targeting Officer positions are highly competitive.

Many TOs spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area with opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for TOs to serve multi-year postings overseas exist, but these positions are competitive.

Ready to Apply?

The hiring process for DO positions can take 12 months or longer to complete. All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation. To be considered suitable for CIA employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during medical and security processing.

Applicants hired for DO positions join CIA with Contract Employee status. As a Contract Employee you will receive federal employee benefits, such as annual and sick leave, life and disability insurance, and healthcare insurance in the same manner as a Staff Employee in accordance with US Government regulations. Click here to view the full text of the contract agreement, including the terms for conversion from Contract Employee to Career Employee status (Paragraph 12).

The initial period of employment with the CIA for Contract Employees will be limited to the specified number of years. The CIA is not obligated to convert employees in this status from contract to staff either during the term of this contract or following the expiration of this contract.

Applicants submitting an application for a DO career should attach a copy of their college transcript(s) and also a cover letter (not exceeding two pages in length double spaced with 12 point font) that addresses all of the following:

• Why are you interested in a career with the CIA?
• Why are you interested in a career with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations (DO)?
• What characteristics and experiences distinguish you from other applicants to the DO?
• What other careers are you considering and why?

At the time of application, DO applicants select specific DO occupational specialties (SOO, TO, CMO, OO). Competitive applicants will continue to be asked to identify their DO occupational specialty preference(s) at various stages in the hiring process. It is not unusual for applicants to adjust their preference as they progress and learn more about the expectations and requirements of each occupational specialty.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are seeking employment with the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. Once you reveal your interest you lose control of that information. We ask all applicants to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the CIA. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

Apply here.