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Federal Protective Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protective Service Officer - DOJ

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

The role of the Protective Services Officer (PSO) is to ensure and maintain the safety and security ... Must have completed or graduated from a certified Federal, state, county, local or military law ...

Training Instructor FPS - New Jersey

Newark, NJ ยท On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Position Summary The Training Instructor is responsible for delivering curriculum-based instruction to contract security personnel assigned to Federal Protective Service (FPS) locations. This role ...

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How much do federal protective service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal protective service in the United States is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.51 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 (FPS) 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.
More about Federal Protective Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Protective Service jobs? Cities with the most Federal Protective Service job openings:
What states have the most Federal Protective Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Protective Service jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Protective Service job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,668 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Personnel Security Analyst (Adjudications)

Personnel Security Analyst (Adjudications)

Protection Strategies Inc

Springfield, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudications)
Springfield, VA | Full-Time | Onsite
Support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Protective Service (FPS) Personnel Security Program.
Join a team responsible for reviewing and adjudicating personnel security cases that directly impact federal mission readiness and workforce integrity.

Support Critical National Security Missions

Protection Strategies Inc. (PSI), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is seeking a Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudications) to support the Federal Protective Service (FPS), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In this role, you will support personnel security adjudications, suitability determinations, and security vetting activities that directly impact the federal workforce. You will work alongside experienced security professionals reviewing investigative records, evaluating personnel security concerns, and ensuring compliance with federal personnel security requirements.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for personnel security professionals seeking to expand their experience in adjudications, security vetting, and federal personnel security operations while supporting an important national security mission.

Career Growth Opportunity

This role is ideal for security professionals seeking to build expertise in federal personnel security adjudications and gain valuable DHS experience. Team members have opportunities to expand their knowledge of suitability determinations, security vetting, and federal personnel security operations while supporting a high-visibility security mission.

What You'll Do
  • Review, evaluate, and adjudicate background investigations, personnel security files, and related documentation to support suitability and security eligibility determinations.
  • Analyze complex personnel security cases and apply federal laws, regulations, policies, and adjudicative guidelines to support decision-making.
  • Identify areas of concern, evaluate mitigating information, and recommend appropriate adjudicative actions.
  • Coordinate with government personnel, investigators, and internal stakeholders to obtain required information and advance cases through the adjudication process.
  • Conduct research utilizing personnel security systems, databases, and investigative records.
  • Review personnel security vetting forms and documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with federal requirements.
  • Prepare written assessments, recommendations, and security-related correspondence.
  • Ensure personnel security actions are completed in accordance with DHS and FPS policies and procedures.
  • Maintain detailed records and case documentation throughout the adjudication lifecycle.
What You BringRequired Qualifications
  • Two (2) or more years of experience supporting a federal personnel security program, adjudications, suitability determinations, security clearance processing, or related security operations.
  • Knowledge of personnel security principles, federal security regulations, and adjudicative processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate sensitive information and make sound recommendations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting DHS, FPS, DOD, or other federal agencies.
  • Experience reviewing background investigations and personnel security files.
  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Government, or a related field.
  • Active or previous Tier 4 (Public Trust) investigation
Why PSI?

โœ“ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
โœ“ Support High-Visibility Federal Missions
โœ“ Opportunities for Career Advancement
โœ“ Collaborative Team Environment
โœ“ Comprehensive Benefits Package
โœ“ Long-Term Government Contract Support

Benefits Highlights

โœ“ Medical, Dental, & Vision
โœ“ 401(k) Retirement Plan
โœ“ Tuition Assistance
โœ“ Employee Assistance Program
โœ“ HSA & HRA Options
โœ“ Commuter Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Employment offers will be contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screen.