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Building Security Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Historic Retail Palace Reborn - Adaptive reuse of the 1909 Meier & Frank building as a love letter ... Job Overview Security Officer searches for, responds to and handles any security problems, issues ...

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Historic Retail Palace Reborn - Adaptive reuse of the 1909 Meier & Frank building as a love letter ... Job Overview Security Officer searches for, responds to and handles any security problems, issues ...

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Historic Retail Palace Reborn - Adaptive reuse of the 1909 Meier & Frank building as a love letter ... Job Overview Security Officer searches for, responds to and handles any security problems, issues ...

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Historic Retail Palace Reborn - Adaptive reuse of the 1909 Meier & Frank building as a love letter ... Security Officer searches for, responds to and handles any security problems, issues, concerns and ...

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$24/hr

Historic Retail Palace Reborn - Adaptive reuse of the 1909 Meier & Frank building as a love letter ... Job Overview Security Officer searches for, responds to and handles any security problems, issues ...

Security Officer

Portland, OR · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are security professionals with hospitality-focused training. Once on board, security personnel ... parking garages/building perimeters). * Respond to incidents on-site, including moving along ...

Showing results 21-40

Building Security information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$28

$43

How much do building security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for building security in Portland, OR is $28.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $32.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a building security officer do?

Building security personnel are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of people, property, and assets within a building. Their duties typically include monitoring entrances and exits, conducting patrols, responding to alarms and emergencies, and enforcing access control policies. They may also check identification, assist visitors, and work closely with law enforcement or emergency responders when necessary. Building security plays a crucial role in preventing unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and other security threats.

What are common challenges faced by building security officers, and how can they be addressed?

Building security personnel often face challenges such as managing access control during busy periods, responding to emergencies, and balancing customer service with enforcing security protocols. These challenges can be addressed by staying vigilant, participating in regular training, and maintaining clear communication with colleagues and building management. Strong teamwork and familiarity with security technology also play vital roles in overcoming daily obstacles and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

What is the difference between Building Security vs Security Guard?

AspectBuilding SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity certifications, sometimes specialized in building systemsSecurity guard license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentCommercial, residential, or industrial buildingsVarious settings including events, retail, and facilities
Employer & IndustryProperty management, security firms, corporationsSecurity companies, private clients, government
Common Search/ComparisonBuilding SecuritySecurity Guard

Building Security and Security Guard roles often overlap, but Building Security typically involves managing access, monitoring building systems, and ensuring overall safety within a specific property. Security Guards focus more on patrolling, surveillance, and immediate security threats. Both roles require security training and certifications, but Building Security may demand additional knowledge of building systems and protocols.

What does building security do?

Building security professionals are responsible for protecting the premises, staff, and visitors by monitoring access points, patrolling the property, and responding to security incidents. They often use surveillance systems, security equipment, and may hold certifications such as CPR or first aid. Their duties help prevent theft, vandalism, and ensure safety within the building environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a building security officer?

To thrive as a Building Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, emergency procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and sometimes security certification (such as a security guard license) is essential. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you respond quickly and professionally to incidents. These competencies are crucial for maintaining a safe environment, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring the security of people and property.
What are popular job titles related to Building Security jobs in Portland, OR? For Building Security jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Building Security job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,702 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Embedded Security Manager

Portland, Oregon

On-Site at Client's Office in Downtown Portland

Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000 Hourly, DOE

40 hours per week, Overtime Eligible

Start Date: October 1, 2026


Foresight is a Northwest-based, national security consultancy offering holistic, proactive risk mitigation solutions to our clients. We are committed to improving the physical and psychological safety of the colleges and universities, small businesses, corporations, media groups, and high net-worth individuals we support. Our guiding values of listening, trust, and excellence consistently anchor the work we do. Foresight helps clients develop effective and sustainable strategies to prevent and manage threats to people, infrastructure, assets, and brand. We leverage subject-matter expertise, smart tools, and a global professional network to deliver the highest level of service, every time.


Position Summary

The Embedded Security Manager serves as the client's trusted security advisor and primary point of coordination for security-related concerns. At the direction of Foresight's Leadership, and in partnership with designated client stakeholders, the Security Manager provides leadership, planning, subject-matter expertise, operational coordination, and performance monitoring for a comprehensive security program that strengthens the client's safety and security posture while reducing risk and liability.

The role focuses on workplace safety, violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment and management, incident response, event security planning, physical security, security technology, vendor coordination, training and awareness, intelligence and due-diligence support, and related policies and procedures. The Security Manager works closely with senior leadership, contracted security providers, Event teams, Safety Team, Facilities personnel, Human Resources, Legal, Communications, Operations, and public-safety partners to identify concerns, coordinate response, and provide clear, practical recommendations.

This embedded role supports a long-standing, legacy client relationship with a mission-driven public-service organization that serves as an important Oregon community resource. The position enters an established and maturing security program built over multiple years and will be closely supported by Foresight leadership and the Senior Security Manager who currently oversees the program. The successful candidate should be prepared to sustain what has been built, strengthen training and BTAM capability, improve systems and processes, and develop practical new solutions as the client's security needs evolve.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Manages, improves, and adapts existing security programs, policies, procedures, and initiatives related to workplace safety, violence prevention, emergency response, incident management, and coordination with law enforcement; establishes new solutions when operational needs arise.
  2. Serves as the primary point of contact for client employees, stakeholders, and external partners regarding security incidents, workplace safety concerns, training requests, physical security issues, and security-related services.
  3. Manages the existing Workplace Violence Prevention and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Program, including threat assessment, behavioral risk evaluation, training, reporting, documentation, and response coordination.
  4. Delivers existing security trainings, presentations, and awareness programs related to workplace violence prevention, de-escalation, emergency response, threat management, and general security practices; develops new trainings and capability-building resources as needed.
  5. Conducts physical security assessments and event security assessments, and coordinates security planning, staffing, emergency preparedness, and operational support for public-facing, internal, and high-profile events.
  6. Oversees physical security operations, security technology systems, contracted security providers, and security improvement projects, including access control, CCTV, alarms, patrol services, and related infrastructure enhancements.
  7. Coordinates with senior leadership, Operations, Facilities, IT, Human Resources, Legal, Communications, Event teams, the Safety Team, and other stakeholders to support security initiatives and operational requirements.
  8. Conducts investigations, behavioral threat assessments, intelligence gathering, and due-diligence activities to support workplace safety, threat management, event security, and operational decision-making.
  9. Maintains incident-management and reporting systems and prepares reports, assessments, executive briefings, trend analyses, and security recommendations.
  10. Identifies security trends, operational gaps, recurring concerns, and emerging risks, and provides recommendations to client leadership to strengthen physical security, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, event readiness, and overall security program effectiveness.
  11. Develops, reviews, and improves security policies, procedures, standards, response protocols, and operational guidance while ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and industry best practices.
  12. Develops and monitors security-related budgets and supports procurement, vendor management, and contract oversight activities.
  13. Responds to emergencies, incidents, security concerns, and operational issues requiring security coordination or subject matter expertise.
  14. Participates in professional development activities and recommends training opportunities to enhance organizational security capabilities.
  15. Performs related duties consistent with job description and assignments.

Key Relationships

  1. Foresight leadership and colleagues
  2. Client senior leadership
  3. Facilities and Property Management personnel
  4. Security Guard Force and contracted security providers
  5. Human Resources
  6. Safety Director and Safety Team
  7. Legal, Communications, Operations, IT, and Event teams
  8. Local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency-response partners
  9. External vendors supporting access control, CCTV, alarms, emergency notification, and security technology

Job Requirements

Successful candidates must possess strong skills in and extensive knowledge of:

  1. Security management principles, including workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, investigations, physical security, emergency preparedness, and corporate security operations.
  2. Research, analysis, report writing, executive briefing preparation, and effective verbal and written communication.
  3. Developing and maintaining productive working relationships with employees, leadership, vendors, public safety partners, and other stakeholders.
  4. Planning, organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple projects, assignments, and competing operational demands.
  5. Developing and delivering practical training programs, presentations, tabletop exercises, and security awareness initiatives that build client capability and reinforce consistent security practices.
  6. Analyzing complex situations, assessing risk, exercising sound judgment, and developing practical solutions.
  7. Investigating sensitive matters and interpreting applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and security requirements.
  8. Managing conflict, facilitating collaboration, building consensus, and maintaining professionalism in challenging situations.
  9. Demonstrating accountability, leadership, adaptability, and effective decision-making in dynamic environments.
  10. Assessing security risks; coordinating personnel, vendors, public-safety partners, and security technologies; and improving existing systems and processes in support of organizational objectives.
  11. Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Certified Threat Manager (CTM) through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).
  2. ASIS International Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), or other relevant security certification.
  3. Training or certification in workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, emergency management, investigations, protective intelligence, or de-escalation.
  4. Experience supporting event security, executive protection support, public-facing facilities, media organizations, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, or other community-facing environments.
  5. Exposure to field-safety planning, public-facing staff protection, or operational support for teams working in visible/community-facing environments.

Minimum Education, Certification, License, and Skill Requirements

  1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Work history must include a minimum of five (5) years verifiable experience with security programs and security systems.
  2. Excellent working knowledge of physical security principles and facility technology systems, including access control, alarm response, CCTV/video monitoring technology, incident documentation, security reporting, event security planning, and vendor coordination. Exceptional candidates will have experience improving security systems and supporting complex, multi-site, public-facing, mission-driven, or community-facing organizations.
  3. Ability to respond occasionally after normal business hours, during weekends and holidays, and be subject to emergency recall or consultation for all shifts.
  4. A strong customer service orientation and the ability to work effectively in an embedded client environment.
  5. Must have a clean driving record and meet company minimum driving standards.
  6. Must be able to pass an extensive background check, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.


Work Environment

The Security Manager generally works in a climate-controlled office environment with minimal noise intensity levels, but the position also requires regular movement through client facilities, public-facing spaces, exterior areas, parking lots, event locations, and other operational environments.

Additional Requirements

  1. Must be able to work in an office environment (60%) as well as indoor and outdoor environments (40%).
  2. Must be able to see and distinguish different colors, read small print and hear and recognize audible signals such as dial tones.
  3. Must possess strong communication, critical-thinking, organizational, and project-management skills.
  4. Ability to review and interpret facility, security, and project documents related to physical security planning, reporting, and quality requirements.
  5. Must be able to occasionally work at heights, from a ladder, and in confined spaces, lift up to 50 pounds and move up to 75 pounds.
  6. Must be able to obtain Oregon DPSST armed and unarmed security certification and an Oregon Concealed Handgun License.

Benefits

  1. Competitive wages
  2. Excellent health, dental, and vision benefits
  3. Opportunity to participate in a company-sponsored 401K
  4. Annual performance-based compensation increases
  5. Annual bonus potential