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Federal Protective Service Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Whitehawk Worldwide is hiring Armed Federal Protective Services Officers (Suitability Eligible - Armed). A Department of Educational contract located in Washington DC Armed Federal Protective ...

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Federal Protective Service information

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How much do federal protective service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal protective service in Washington is $21.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFederal Protective ServiceSecurity Guard
CredentialsTypically requires security clearance, federal training, and certificationsGenerally requires state-specific security licenses and basic training
Work EnvironmentFederal government buildings, high-security facilitiesVarious private and public locations, including retail, events, and offices
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Homeland Security, federal agenciesPrivate security companies, retail stores, event venues
Job ResponsibilitiesAccess control, surveillance, enforcing federal security protocolsPatrolling, monitoring premises, customer service

Federal Protective Service and Security Guard roles both focus on security but differ mainly in credentials, work environment, and employer. The FPS operates within federal facilities with higher security requirements, while security guards work across various private settings with different credential needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Protective Service officers in their daily duties?

Federal Protective Service (FPS) officers often encounter challenges such as balancing high-security protocols with providing accessible public services, responding quickly to evolving threats, and maintaining vigilance across diverse federal facilities. Officers must also adapt to rapidly changing environments, collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, and manage interactions with the public in sometimes tense situations. These challenges require strong communication skills, adaptability, and a solid understanding of federal security procedures.

What is the Federal Protective Service?

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for protecting federal government buildings, their occupants, and visitors. FPS officers provide security, conduct investigations, and respond to threats or emergencies at over 9,500 federal facilities nationwide. The agency works closely with other law enforcement and security organizations to ensure the safety and security of federal properties and the people within them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Protective Service officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Protective Service officer, you need law enforcement training, a solid understanding of security protocols, and typically a background in criminal justice or related fields. Familiarity with surveillance technology, access control systems, and federal protective regulations is crucial, and officers often require specialized certifications such as firearms qualification. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and excellent interpersonal skills help officers manage security incidents and interact with the public. These competencies are vital for effectively protecting federal personnel and property, ensuring safety, and responding to potential threats.
What job categories do people searching Federal Protective Service jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Protective Service jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Federal Protective Service job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,928 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Federal Protective Service CLEARED ARMED OFFICER

Allied Universal

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$37.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 116 rated security


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 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 A SECRET CLEARENCE

Must have 2-3 recent years of armed military, law enforcement or armed security

Site pay starting at $37.20/hr (suitability and training completion)

Paid training at $25.00/hr

Job site is located in Chantilly, VA

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 ID
2026-1638314

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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