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Contract Security Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Security Manager

Denver, CO ยท On-site +1

$37 - $40/hr

This position is responsible for the successful execution of security operations, contract compliance, client satisfaction, financial performance, and continuous program improvement. The Security ...

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Contract Security information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$20

$26

How much do contract security jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract security in Colorado is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, surveillance techniques, and often a high school diploma or security guard license. Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication are critical soft skills for interacting with the public and responding to incidents. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, prevent security breaches, and deliver reliable service to clients and property owners.

What are contract security officers?

Contract security officers are security professionals who are employed by a private security company and assigned to work at client sites under a contractual agreement. Unlike in-house security staff, they are not direct employees of the organization they protect but are hired through a third-party service provider. Their responsibilities can include patrolling properties, monitoring surveillance equipment, controlling access points, and responding to security incidents. Clients often choose contract security for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to trained personnel. These officers must meet the licensing and training requirements set by their jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Contract Security vs Security Guard?

AspectContract SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, sometimes specialized certificationsSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, varied locations, short-term assignmentsPermanent or temporary positions, fixed locations
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity firms, contracted servicesPrivate companies, retail, events
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Security professionals typically work on short-term contracts for various clients, often requiring specialized certifications. Security Guards usually hold a standard license and work in fixed locations like retail stores or events. Both roles involve security duties but differ mainly in employment type and work setting.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by contract security personnel, and how can they be addressed?

Contract security personnel often face challenges such as adapting to new client sites, managing varying security protocols, and working irregular hours. Adapting quickly to different environments and understanding site-specific procedures is crucial for success. Building strong communication skills and maintaining flexibility can help overcome these challenges, as well as regularly participating in training to stay updated on security best practices. Many companies also offer mentorship or team support to help new hires acclimate.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Security jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Security jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Security job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Security job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,630 per year, or $20 per hour.
Part-Time Armed Contract Security Officer

Part-Time Armed Contract Security Officer

Excalibur Associates Inc

Boulder, CO โ€ข On-site

$28.87 - $34.37/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Armed Contract Security Officer (ACSO) โ€“ NIST Boulder

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking experienced full time Armed Contract Security Officers support federal security operations at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Boulder, CO campus. Officers protect federal property, personnel, and visitors through armed security, access control, patrol operations, alarm monitoring, screening, visitor processing and emergency response.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
  • Professional demeanor and strong communication skills
  • Ability to maintain vigilance in a calm, lowthreat environment
  • Demonstrates sound judgment, trustworthiness, and reliability
  • Interested in longterm, stable employment with a reputable federal contractor
  • Crossqualified applicants desired oDispatcher One or more years of experience as a dispatcher or cctv/alarms monitor
  • Supervisor โ€“ Two or more years of experience in field supervision
  • Veteranโ€™s receive hiring preference where permitted by law
  • Why Choose This Role?
  • Stable Federal Contract
  • Join a trusted team serving one of the nationโ€™s premier research facilities under a long-standing federal contract. This is not a high-turnover gig; it is a career opportunity in a professional federal setting with predictable schedules supporting scientists, federal employees, and visitors.

  • National Security Career Foundation
  • Officers must obtain a Public Trust Suitability and may have opportunities to obtain additional qualifications on contract requiring a Secret Clearance, building credentials and experience required for advancing into higher-level federal security, protective services, and cleared government positions.

  • Low Operational Tempo
  • Unlike high-risk law enforcement or executive protection positions, this role has an exceptionally low incident rateโ€”no use-of-force cases in over five years. Your focus is on professional presence, proactive security, and maintaining continuity of operations, not daily confrontations.

  • Unique Location
  • The NIST Boulder campus is a low density, respected federal research campus located at the edge of the City of Boulder and the open foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Skip the metropolitan congestion, use free parking on site, and enjoy a unique working environment with amazing views.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSJob Requirements/Skills:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 3 years of fulltime security experience within the past 5 years or 3 years of military (active or reserves).
  • Must have or be able to obtain CPR, Handcuffing, Baton, Firearms, and FPS ACSO course. If you do not have this training, it will be provided to you.
  • Strong communication, observation, and decision making skills.
  • Be eligible to obtain a Public Trust clearance (or higher).
  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing for long periods, lifting, and pursuing individuals.
  • Ability to work a minimum of 24 hours per week to include nights and weekends
  • Duties and Responsibilities:Access Control
  • Verify identification and control access at entry points
  • Monitor suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities
  • Enforce restrictedarea access procedures
  • Prevent unauthorized removal of government property
  • Maintain control of keys, badges, and access credentials
  • Establish incident perimeters and preserve scenes for law enforcement
  • Patrol & Security Operations
  • Conduct routine and random patrols of buildings and grounds
  • Inspect doors, windows, gates, and other security points
  • Monitor security systems and respond to alarms
  • Identify hazards or safety concerns and report them immediately
  • Maintain communication with dispatch and command personnel
  • Screening
  • Inspect packages, briefcases, containers, or any other items in the possession of people entering or leaving a Federally controlled facility.
  • Operate metal detectors to search visitors for prohibited items.
  • Operate Xray machine to search deliveries and visitorsโ€™ packages, equipment, and handcarried articles for prohibited items.
  • Conduct vehicle inspection that may include inspecting under seats, in the trunk, and under the vehicle.
  • Conduct frisks or patdowns for weapons or other unauthorized items.
  • Visitor Processing
  • Verify proper identification of visitors required for issuance of visitor badges.
  • Process visitors.
  • Emergency Response
  • Respond to incidents and emergency calls
  • Assist first responders and emergency services
  • Provide basic first aid, CPR, and AED response
  • Assist with evacuations and incident scene management
  • Support investigations by documenting incidents and reviewing logs or footage
  • Common Tasks
  • Report potentially threatening situations and violations of law and security procedures.
  • Observe unique characteristics of an individual for identification purposes.
  • Collect information about stolen or missing property or suspicious activities to aid investigations.
  • Take detailed field notes
  • COMPENSATION/BENEFITSWages and Fringe Benefits

    Overtime pay rate: $43.305 per hour every hour over 40 hours per week

    Total earnings: $34.37 per hour

  • Base pay rate $28.87 per hour up to 40 hours per week
  • Health & Welfare $5.50 per hour up to 40 hours per week of health and welfare; to be applied to health coverage expenses unless exempt, if exempt can elect for cash disbursement or as 401k contribution.
  • Pension Contribution: $0.25 per hour up to 40 hours per week.

    Additional Benefits:
  • Up to two weeks (80 hours) of vacation per year, made available for use on your anniversary, increasing with seniority (prorated for PartTime employees).
  • Up to seven days (56 hours) of paid sick leave a year, made available for use on start of the contract year, December 1st (prorated for PartTime employees).
  • Eleven (11) paid holidays annually, granted on January 1st (prorated for PartTime employees).
  • Complimentary $0 cost Section 125 wellness plan providing 24/7 virtual care, wellness benefits, and tax free savings with no reduction to take home pay (not available to PartTime employees).
  • ACA compliant comprehensive health insurance packages (medical, dental, vision, life) with options to add dependents (not available to PartTime employees).
  • Ancillary insurances: life/accidental death & dismemberment, shortterm disability, and longterm disability insurance (not available to PartTime employees).
  • 401K savings program (elective contributions only).
  • Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

    The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other factor protected by law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.