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Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection Jobs

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Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection information

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How much do entry level hostile environment close protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level hostile environment close protection in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and situational awareness, often supported by basic security or close protection certifications such as SIA or equivalent. Familiarity with communication devices, GPS systems, and emergency response tools is typically required. Strong soft skills include composure under pressure, effective communication, and teamwork, which help manage rapidly changing situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety of clients and maintaining professionalism in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges entry-level hostile environment close protection officers face when starting out?

Entry-level hostile environment close protection officers often face challenges such as adapting quickly to unpredictable and high-pressure situations, maintaining situational awareness at all times, and building effective communication with both clients and team members. The role frequently involves long hours, travel to unfamiliar or potentially dangerous areas, and the need to make rapid decisions with limited information. Newcomers must also learn to balance assertiveness with discretion while establishing trust with clients and adhering strictly to protocols and local laws.

What is the difference between Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection vs Entry Level Executive Protection Agent?

AspectEntry Level Hostile Environment Close ProtectionEntry Level Executive Protection Agent
CredentialsSecurity certifications, firearms training, first aidSecurity certifications, firearms training, first aid
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk, hostile, outdoor or unstable settingsSecure, controlled environments, often urban or corporate
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies in conflict zonesHigh-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, government officials
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection involves working in dangerous, unpredictable settings requiring specialized training. In contrast, Entry Level Executive Protection Agents typically operate in more controlled environments, focusing on safeguarding clients in urban or corporate settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and risk level.

What is an Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection officer?

An Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection officer is a trained security professional responsible for safeguarding individuals in dangerous or high-risk environments, such as conflict zones or areas with political instability. Their duties include risk assessment, planning secure routes, providing physical protection, and responding to emergencies. Entry-level officers typically work under the supervision of experienced team leaders and must be able to adapt quickly to changing threats. They often have specialized training in security tactics, first aid, and situational awareness to ensure the safety of their clients.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hostile Environment Close Protection jobs? The most popular types of Hostile Environment Close Protection jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Hostile Environment Close Protection job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,262 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Emergency Response Team (ERT) Officer

ARDENT Protection, LLC

Tampa, FL

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job DescriptionWho We Are

ARDENT Protection is a Florida-based private security and protection company founded in 2020. We are on a mission to professionalize the security and protection industry by raising the standard for training, leadership, field support, client service, and employee growth.

We believe security work should be respected, supported, and led with clear standards. We hire for the right person in the right seat, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our core values guide how we hire, lead, train, and serve: People First, Humble Excellence, and Genuine Integrity.

The Opportunity: Emergency Response Team Officer

This seat supports ARDENT's Emergency Response Team and helps strengthen our ability to respond to urgent, specialized, and higher-trust operational needs.

ERT Officers may support guard services, asset protection, firewatch, event security, close protection, workplace violence prevention, field assessments, and officer training across the Central West region.

Your Mission...should you choose to accept it

Respond with readiness, serve with discipline, and represent ARDENT's standards when the assignment requires calm judgment and professional control.

This role is built for experienced professionals who understand that readiness, communication, and composure protect people, clients, Officers, and trust.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $40,000 base salary. Year 1 earning potential may reach up to $65,000 based on approved assignments, eligibility, operational needs, and additional opportunities.

Schedule: Current schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This role also requires a 60-hour weekly on-call commitment for availability and responsiveness. This does not mean 60 guaranteed hours of paid work each week.

Weekly Pay: Get paid every week to help you manage your finances with ease.

Professional Development Opportunities: We believe in investing in our team. You will have access to ongoing training, certifications, and opportunities for career growth within the company.

Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits: Comprehensive coverage to support your overall well-being.

Ongoing Training and Growth: We provide resources to help you grow professionally and build the skills needed to excel in your role and beyond.

Supportive Team Culture: At ARDENT, you are part of a team that values respect, accountability, communication, and professional growth.

You'll Love This Role...If you value:

People First: Protecting people with care, respect, and practical support.

Humble Excellence: Doing the work well, staying coachable, and leading without ego.

Genuine Integrity: Doing the right thing, reporting honestly, and protecting trust.

If these statements are true for you:
  • I want to be part of a team that is trusted with urgent and important assignments.
  • I can stay calm, respectful, and alert when conditions change quickly.
  • I understand that readiness, responsiveness, and judgment are part of the role.
  • I want to keep improving through training, coaching, and higher standards.
  • I can support other Officers in the field while still staying humble and professional.
  • I understand that the ERT program helps identify and develop future field leaders.
A Week in the Life

You may begin the week confirming readiness, schedule expectations, equipment, uniform standards, and response requirements.

You may support an armed post, conduct a site assessment, assist with an urgent coverage need, or support an event or firewatch assignment.

You may coach an Officer in the field, communicate with Operations, and document what you observed.

You may receive direction for a changing assignment and need to respond calmly, quickly, and professionally.

By the end of the week, your readiness and judgment should help ARDENT serve clients, support Officers, and protect trust.


ResponsibilitiesAs an ERT Officer, you will:
  • Respond to approved ERT assignments based on operational needs and readiness expectations.
  • Support guard services, asset protection, firewatch, event security, close protection, and workplace violence prevention assignments.
  • Maintain a professional armed presence in routine, urgent, and higher-pressure environments.
  • Conduct field assessments and support training with Security Officers.
  • Follow operational instructions, post orders, site procedures, and ARDENT standards.
  • Communicate clearly with Operations, field leaders, clients, Officers, and team members.
  • Document facts, incidents, observations, and operational updates accurately and on time.
  • Report to assigned locations within required response times.
  • Remain prepared, professional, and responsive during on-call periods.
  • Complete required ERT training, assessments, and readiness expectations

RequirementsIf you have these skills:
  • Clear communication and calm professional presence.
  • Strong judgment in routine, urgent, and higher-pressure situations.
  • Ability to follow post orders, operational instructions, and ARDENT standards.
  • Ability to document facts clearly, accurately, and on time.
  • Ability to conduct field assessments and support officer training.
  • Ability to work independently while staying connected to Operations.
  • Strong attendance, responsiveness, and readiness discipline.
  • Ability to remain composed during emergency response, firewatch, event security, asset protection, and workplace violence prevention assignments.
  • Coachability and willingness to complete ARDENT's ERT training standards.
If you have these qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Active Florida Class D Security License.
  • Valid Florida Class G Statewide Firearm License.
  • Valid Florida Driver's License.
  • Must remain insurable under company vehicle insurance requirements.
  • Reliable transportation.
  • At least 3 years of security, military, or law enforcement experience.
  • Ability to meet ARDENT's 60-hour weekly on-call commitment.
  • Ability to report to assigned locations within required response times.
  • Ability to successfully complete ARDENT's job-related physical readiness assessment.
  • Commitment to complete ARDENT's 7-Day Basic ERT Training Course.
  • Ability to pass required background checks and screening requirements.If you have one of these:
  • Armed security, emergency response, or high-risk site experience.
  • Military or law enforcement experience.
  • Experience in executive protection, asset protection, event security, firewatch, or workplace violence prevention.
  • Field supervision, officer training, or site assessment experience.
  • A strong record of reliability, professional conduct, sound judgment, and operational readiness.
If you've been looking for:
  • A specialized field role with clear standards and stronger operational expectations.
  • A path toward field leadership, ERT growth, or specialized assignments.
  • A team that values readiness, professionalism, and sound judgment.
  • A role where training, responsiveness, and discipline matter.
  • A chance to help raise the standard for Officers in the field.
Still reading?

We're starting to like you already.

We know job descriptions can feel the same after a while. This one matters because the right person in this seat matters.

If you are dependable, professional, alert, and ready to represent ARDENT with care and discipline, this may be the right opportunity for you as a Emergency Response Team Officer.

A Message from Darryl, ARDENT's Founder & CEO

First, thank you for considering ARDENT and for reading this far. I know job descriptions can start to feel the same after a while, so I appreciate you spending real time with ours.

The Emergency Response Team represents a higher level of trust. This role is not only about being available. It is about being ready, professional, teachable, and calm when the work calls for more.

If you want to help ARDENT raise the standard in the field and grow into stronger assignments and leadership opportunities, I would be proud to have you consider this seat.

We are building a company that gives security professionals a stronger standard, stronger support, and a better path forward. That mission takes people who care deeply, work hard, stay humble, and bring integrity into the details.

If this role makes you feel like your experience, standards, and purpose can meet the needs of our team, I hope you apply. I look forward to seeing what we can build together.

With Passion & Purpose,
Darryl J

ARDENT Protection participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees