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Federal Protective Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready to step into a dynamic role as a Full-Time Armed Security Protective Officer ... TS-SCI Poly * 7+ years in Federal or local law enforcement with recent SWAT or tactical experience ...

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Federal Protective Officer information

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$23.5K

$75.9K

$182.5K

How much do federal protective officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal protective officer in the United States is $75,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal protective officer?

Federal Protective Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for safeguarding federal buildings, employees, and visitors. They work for the Federal Protective Service (FPS), a division of the Department of Homeland Security. Their duties include conducting security assessments, responding to emergencies, and enforcing laws on federal property. These officers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of federal facilities across the United States.

What are some common challenges faced by federal protective officers in their daily duties?

Federal Protective Officers often encounter challenges such as balancing visible security presence with approachability, adapting to rapidly changing security protocols, and responding to potential threats while minimizing disruption to federal facility operations. They must remain vigilant and prepared for unpredictable situations, including emergencies or protests, all while maintaining professionalism and effective communication with the public and other law enforcement agencies. Continuous training and situational awareness are essential to successfully managing these demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal protective officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Protective Officer, you need law enforcement training, knowledge of security protocols, and typically must complete the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) program and hold relevant certifications. Familiarity with security screening equipment, surveillance systems, and incident reporting tools is crucial. Strong situational awareness, effective communication, and sound judgment under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities are essential for ensuring the safety of federal facilities, protecting personnel, and responding effectively to security threats.

What is the difference between Federal Protective Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectFederal Protective OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsTypically requires a security license, background check, and sometimes federal clearanceUsually requires a state security license and background check
Work EnvironmentFederal government buildings, high-security facilitiesVarious private and public locations like retail stores, offices, events
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies, government facilitiesPrivate security companies, retail, commercial properties
Job DutiesAccess control, patrols, incident response, enforcing federal regulationsMonitoring premises, patrolling, preventing theft, ensuring safety

Federal Protective Officers and Security Guards share similarities in security credentials and work environments, but Federal Protective Officers typically serve federal government facilities with higher security requirements and may require additional federal clearances. Security Guards work across a broader range of private and public locations with generally less stringent credentials.

How to become a Federal Protective Officer?

To become a Federal Protective Officer, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the agency. Some positions may require prior security or law enforcement experience and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Physical fitness and good communication skills are also important for the role.

What states have the most Federal Protective Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Protective Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Protective Officer jobs?

For Federal Protective Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Federal Protective Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,929 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Federal Protective Services Armed Security Officer

Washington, DC • On-site

Allied Universal
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 10K+ employees

$33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Allied Universal rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 2,615 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Company Overview:

Allied Universal, North America's leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that contributes to a culture that positively impacts the communities and customers we serve.

Job Description

Allied Universal is hiring an Armed Federal Protective Servics Security Officer. The Armed Security Officer provides armed protective services in accordance with Allied Universal standards for a high profile customer. Duties include armed patrols, access control, CCTV and alarm monitoring, incident reporting, and customer service. The Armed Security Officer will help ensure the safety of customer personnel, visitors, and property by deterring threats, enforcing procedures, and responding to emergencies with professionalism and strict adherence to security protocols.

Full time openings available

Must have 3 recent years of armed military, law enforcement or armed security

Site pay starting at $33/hr (upon suitability and training completion)

Paid training at $25.00/hr

Job site is located in Washington D.C.

Must be able to obtain FPS suitability (will take up to 60 days)

Must have 3 recent years of armed military, law enforcement or armed security

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure the facility is provided with high-quality security services to protect people and property
  • Build, improve and maintain effective relationships with both client employees and guests
  • Report safety concerns, security breaches, and unusual circumstances verbally and in writing
  • Handle security issues and emergency situations according to protocol
  • Follow all directives relating to site-specific operations including manuals and post orders
  • Greet and welcome visitors and employees; answer questions and assist as needed
  • Patrol the facility on foot or in a vehicle
  • Answer phones, monitor closed-circuit television systems and alarms

QUALIFICATIONS (MUST HAVE):

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current driver's license if driving a company or customer owned vehicle
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
  • Must possess, or be able to obtain, each of the following:
    • Basic Life Support CPR/AED and First Aid from the AHA or ARC
    • Federal and state firearms qualifications
    • National Weapons Detection Training Program (NWDTP) certification
    • OC, Baton and handcuffing certification
    • Defensive tactics and de-escalation tactics certification
  • Must possess one or more of the following
    • Minimum of two (2) years of armed security experience
    • Minimum of two (2) years of US military service
    • Minimum of one (1) year full-time armed civilian law enforcement experience
  • Minimum of 21 years of age, or higher as required by applicable law or contractual requirements
  • Able to operate radio or telephone equipment and/or console monitors
  • Demonstrated ability to interact cordially and communicate with the public
  • Effective oral and written communication skills; able to write informatively, clearly, and accurately; able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
  • Problem solving skills; able to assess and evaluate situations effectively; identify critical issues quickly and accurately
  • Attention to detail; able to compile, sort, and interpret data
  • Active listening skills; able to mediate conflict with tact, diplomacy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NICE TO HAVE):

  • Ability to speak, read, and write in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic)
  • DHS Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Clearance
  • Associate's degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business or a closely related field

BENEFITS:

  • Health insurance and eligible for our company's retirement plans
  • Schedules that fit with your personal life goals
  • Ongoing paid training programs and career growth opportunities
  • Employee discounts through our perks program to your favorite restaurants, entertainment venues and much more...
Closing

Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.

Requisition ID2026-1668931Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US