Become an Operations Officer at the National Counterterrorism Center

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on national security? The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is currently seeking a highly motivated Operations Officer to support the mission of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). This role is perfect for professionals who thrive under pressure and have a passion for intelligence and global stability.

Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Officer in the NCTC Operations Center (NCTOC), you will:

Maintain 24/7 situational awareness of global terrorism issues.
Analyze and synthesize raw intelligence data.
Draft sensitive all-source Alerts and Advisories.
Coordinate with interagency partners to share critical threat information.

Comparison: Standard Office vs. NCTC Operations Center

Feature	Standard Office	NCTC Operations Center
Schedule	9 to 5	24/7 Rotating Shifts (12.5 hrs)
Primary Focus	Administrative Tasks	Real-time Threat Response
Environment	Static	High-Paced & Urgent
Impact	Internal Efficiency	Global National Security

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen capable of holding a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance. You must be comfortable working extended 12.5-hour shifts. Your application must include a concise 2-page resume, a professional cover letter, and your answers to the four mandatory free-response essays.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Pay is determined based on individual qualifications and current federal pay scales.

Benefits

Employees of the ODNI enjoy a robust suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and accrual of annual leave and sick time.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Original: The four required essays must be written by you. AI-generated text is strictly prohibited.
Detail Your Work: Clearly state hours worked per week for every position listed in your history.

If you have the discipline, sharp analytical skills, and drive required for the NCTC, this is an unparalleled opportunity to serve the public. Prepare your documents, craft your essays, and apply through USAJOBS today.

Why This Operations Officer Job Matters

Protect the nation from the front lines of intelligence—the National Counterterrorism Center is looking for an agile, sharp-minded Operations Officer to join our 24/7 mission-critical team.

Operations Officer Job Overview

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is the primary hub for U.S. counterterrorism intelligence. As an Operations Officer within the NCTC Operations Center (NCTOC), you will serve on the front lines of global situational awareness. This high-impact role involves monitoring breaking world events, analyzing intelligence, and collaborating with the broader Intelligence Community (IC) to ensure our nation's leaders have the data necessary to make informed decisions that keep the country safe.

Requirements for Operations Officer

U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
Ability to work rotating 12.5-hour shifts in a 24/7 high-pressure environment.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Completion of four required 200-word free-response essay questions.
Successfully passing a pre-employment drug screening.
Submission of a cover letter detailing qualifications.
Current Federal employees must provide their most recent SF-50.

Preferred Qualifications for Operations Officer

Bachelor's degree.
Experience in intelligence analysis and production.
Proven track record of managing competing priorities under strict timelines.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to foster collaborative relationships with interagency partners.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement savings plan options (TSP).
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Contribution to national security missions.

💡 How to Apply Operations Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operations Officer Job

Review the full announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, including specific dates, hours worked, and duties.
Draft the four required essay responses (max 200 words each).
Compile supporting documents including a cover letter and SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
Monitor email for acknowledgement of receipt and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
Clearly label your experience with start/end dates and hours per week to establish full-time status.
When answering essay questions, focus on specific, actionable examples that demonstrate your alignment with NCTC's mission.
Avoid using any AI or external consultants to draft your essays; the agency specifically mandates that these be your own original words.
Double-check that you have removed any sensitive personal info such as SSNs or photos from your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shift schedule for this position?

This role requires working rotating 12.5-hour shifts in a 24/7, fast-paced operational environment.

Can I submit my resume via email?

No. All applications must be submitted directly through the USAJOBS platform. Emailed applications are not accepted.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Your application will be removed from consideration. The 2-page limit is strictly enforced.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, this role requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.

Is there relocation assistance?

Relocation reimbursement is discretionary and subject to fund availability.

Job from Office Of The Director Of National Intelligence

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) sits at the heart of the U.S. intelligence community. It integrates and analyzes information to drive action against terrorism globally. By working here, you join a specialized team dedicated to protecting the nation's interests and facilitating communication across 18 intelligence agencies.