Targeting Officer
Other Agencies and Independent Organizations – Central Intelligence Agency
Summary
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.
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
Required Documents
Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:
- This usually includes your resume and any documents named in the official announcement, such as transcripts, an SF-50, or a DD-214 where applicable.
- Review the announcement for the exact list before applying.
About this role
The Targeting Officer position with the Other Agencies and Independent Organizations is based in Washington, District of Columbia. Targeting Officers identify the people, relationships, and organizations with access to information needed to find opportunities to disrupt threats to U.S. The role pays $72,254 to $109,975 per year.
Day to day, the work involves targeting Officers are integral to the planning and implementation of Directorate of Operations (DO) foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what the intelligence field experience this Targeting Officer position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Targeting Officer position with the Other Agencies and Independent Organizations in Washington, District of Columbia, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $72,254 to $109,975 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. Based in Washington, District of Columbia, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on September 30, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.
