Demo

Targeting Officer

Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 8/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/20/2026

*Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level

Requisition Type: Standard Hire

Requisition Overview:

Targeting Officers identify the people, relationships, and organizations with access to information needed to find opportunities to disrupt threats to U.S. interests.

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

Requisition Details:

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,977.00 - $111,087.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $72,977 - $111,087

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