DHS Watch Officer

NOTE: This position is for a proposal for future work.

The Watch Officer is responsible for the real-time monitoring, reporting, and dissemination of intelligence information in support of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) missions. Operating within a 24/7 intelligence watch environment, the Watch Officer ensures that senior leadership, interagency partners, and operational units receive timely, accurate, and actionable situational awareness.

Key Responsibilities:

Watch Operations:

• Monitor and assess global events, incidents, and emerging threats using all-source intelligence (HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, GEOINT).
• Maintain situational awareness of ongoing operations and provide timely updates to leadership.
• Track and report key intelligence indicators and warnings relevant to DHS missions.

Intelligence Reporting:

• Draft, review, and disseminate intelligence notifications, situation reports, and alerts.
• Ensure that all reports meet analytic tradecraft standards and adhere to DHS and Intelligence Community reporting requirements.
• Identify trends, gaps, and emerging issues for escalation to supervisory personnel.

Coordination and Communication:

• Serve as a point of contact for internal DHS components and external interagency partners during watch periods.
• Facilitate rapid information sharing and communication across shifts and teams.
• Participate in briefings, teleconferences, and operational meetings as required.

Operational Support:

• Support crisis response, incident management, and emergency operations as needed.
• Assist in maintaining and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for watch operations.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior watch staff during shifts.

Continuous Improvement:

• Contribute to after-action reviews and lessons learned initiatives.
• Recommend improvements to watch processes, reporting methods, and operational procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Intelligence Studies, National Security, or a related field preferred.
• Over 3 years of experience in all-source intelligence analysis or operations center/watch operations.
• Familiarity with DHS intelligence processes, analytic tradecraft, and IC reporting standards.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, 24/7 watch environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and multitasking skills.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.