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 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 their respective career occupational specialty.

Our physical requirements for training are as follows:

• 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must apply online, while in the United States.
• You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national U.S. citizens are eligible).
• You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC, area.
• You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
• CIA is a drug-free workforce. The issue of illegal drug use is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

For further requirements information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/requirements/

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Additional information

For more information on CIA careers and correct salary rates, visit https://www.cia.gov/careers

CIA Benefits: https://www.cia.gov/careers/working-at-cia/benefits/