Battle Staff Watch Officer

Public Trust: None

Requisition Type: Regular

Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
The Watch Officer is responsible for maintaining continuous operational oversight and ensuring effective coordination, communication, and response to all incidents and activities within the watch area. This role requires sound judgment, situational awareness, and the ability to make timely decisions in a dynamic environment to support mission objectives and organizational readiness.

• In charge of Day time operations and incident response. Make vital decisions on how to address and handle incidents throughout the shift
• Oversee daily shift operations during week and weekends when Task Leads and other Leadership team members are not immediately available
• Ensure staff coverage and availability in all areas of the program where applicable
• Execution of On-Call to address incidents as prescribed in the GECOS Major Incident
  Plan
• Execute emergency response procedures and address facility concerns
• Be able to address security concerns, know how to contact GDIT security and other stakeholders when needed
• Serve as the primary point of contact and decision authority during business hours for operations, incidents, and facility matters.
• Oversee shift operations during dayshift for weekends, and holidays, ensuring adequate staffing, coverage, and continuity of mission support.
• Monitor and update the Master Station Log, NOC/SOC displays, and prepare updates for daily stand-up briefs.
• Track and manage Critical, High, and High-Visibility Incidents, ensuring timely escalation, stakeholder notification, and proper documentation.
• Lead incident coordination and response in accordance with the programs Major Incident Plan, including on-call activation when necessary.
• Ensure facility and security readiness, addressing environmental issues, access control, and physical security incidents as needed.
• Coordinate with IT Operations to ensure accurate and timely notifications and reporting (e.g., NMAs, CCIRs).
• Act as Major Incident POC, providing situational updates to leadership and assisting with COMMOPS briefs.
• Maintain and audit personnel status (PERSTAT) records during day shift operations.
• Support system access and security processes, including reviewing and approving eMASS access requests in accordance with RMF and DoD guidelines.
• Assist in examining system security architectures, identifying vulnerabilities, and supporting authorization efforts per DoD, Army, and NIST requirements.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and training materials to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Education/Equivalent Training Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, or a related field preferred; equivalent education, training, or experience accepted.

Years of relevant experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Watch Officer, IT operations, or related technical roles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and briefing skills, capable of engaging senior military and government leaders.
• Proven reliability, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure.
• Familiarity with DoD account request procedures (DD Form 2875) and ACTCS training system.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and committed to continuous learning and process improvement.

Certification Requirements:

• Must meet DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) prior to start. Will need to obtain an additional computing environment certification within six-months of hire based on position designation (e.g., ITIL 4 Foundation).

Clearance Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of an active Secret clearance at time of interview be maintained.

Work Location:

• Full time onsite support at the program in Falls Church, VA.

Shift Options:

• 12-hour shifts w/ one 8-hour day for a total of 80 per pay period; specific schedule will be discussed during interview.

Travel:

• Less than 10%.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

• At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in program management at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results.

#GDITPriority

Work Requirements

Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification

ITIL 4 Foundation | PeopleCert - PeopleCert

CompTIA Security+ CE | CompTIA - CompTIA

Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required