Emergency Operations Center Specialist | Shift Work | Onsite Atlanta

EOC Watch Officer (Part-Time)

CDC Emergency Operations – Atlanta, GA

Job Description / Overview

At GDIT, people are our differentiators. We deliver clarity and capability in the moments that matter most.

We are seeking a part-time Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Watch Officer to support the CDC’s Division of Emergency Operations (DEO) within the Office of Readiness and Response (ORR), located at the Roybal Campus in Atlanta, GA.

The CDC EOC operates 24/7/365 as the agency’s front line for emergency communication and coordination. Watch Officers answer and triage hundreds of calls and emails every day — from clinicians, international travelers, state and federal partners, and the public — ensuring information is routed quickly and accurately. During activations, Watch Officers play a central role in supporting CDC leadership and response teams.

This is a mission-critical role at the heart of CDC’s operations. It is ideal for candidates seeking impactful part-time work, an entry point into CDC emergency management, or a pathway to future full-time opportunities.

How a Watch Officer Will Make an Impact

• Serve as the initial point of contact for CDC’s emergency line, answering and triaging calls and emails across a wide range of public health and emergency topics.
• Log, route, and escalate inquiries in CDC systems (CDCReady and EOC databases) to ensure leadership and subject matter experts receive timely, accurate information.
• Support the Federal Duty Officer and incident management staff by preparing shift briefs, monitoring functional mailboxes, and assisting with reports.
• Provide professional, disciplined communication with callers — ranging from worried citizens to senior health officials.
• Contribute to the continuity of operations through clear shift handoffs, accurate documentation, and situational monitoring.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma and 1+ year of customer service, help desk, call center, or emergency operations experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Flexibility to support coverage across shifts (7am–3pm, 3pm–11pm, 11pm–7am).

Preferred

• Prior experience in emergency management, 911 dispatch, EMS, military, law enforcement, or federal/state emergency operations.
• Familiarity with CDC operations or culture, or prior CDC/EOC experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Commitment to public service and mission impact.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive in high-tempo environments.
• Strong teamwork orientation, valuing clear handoffs and collaboration.
• Adaptability to support surge operations, schedule changes, and varied call types.
• Desire to grow in emergency management and build a career in public health.

Clearance Requirement

• Ability to obtain and maintain a CDC Public Trust clearance and CDC badge.

Attributes for Success

• Reliable, flexible, and eager to contribute in a 24/7 mission environment.
• Thrives in shift-based operations and enjoys variety — no two days are the same.
• Interested in a high-profile role at the intersection of emergency management and public health.

GDIT Is Your Place

• Opportunity to support national and global health security every day.
• On-site training at CDC EOC before assuming live responsibilities.
• Part-time role with exposure across shifts; PT Watch Officers are often first considered for full-time positions.
• 401K with company match
• Health and wellness options (for eligible employees)
• Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
• Paid vacation and holidays (for eligible employees)