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Guard Force Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Head of Physical Security Prosegur is seeking a Head of Physical Security to own the day-to-day ... You will lead guard force management, access control, incident response, and future facility ...

Security Dispatcher

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$20.70 - $34.50/hr

The SOC Dispatcher will coordinate with Physical Security Patrol Officers and contracted Guard Force supplied by our security service provider, to mitigate and respond to a diverse range of safety ...

Security Dispatcher

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

The SOC Dispatcher will coordinate with Physical Security Patrol Officers and contracted Guard Force supplied by our security service provider, to mitigate and respond to a diverse range of safety ...

Armed Security Guard

South Gate, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including the use of force and firearms. Qualifications: * Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Armed Security Guard ...

Armed Security Guard

South Gate, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including the use of force and firearms. Qualifications: * Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Armed Security Guard ...

Armed Security Guard

South Gate, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including the use of force and firearms. Qualifications: * Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Armed Security Guard ...

Armed Security Guard

South Gate, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including the use of force and firearms. Qualifications: * Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Armed Security Guard ...

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Guard Force Security information

What is a Guard Force Security officer?

Guard Force Security officers are professionals responsible for protecting property, assets, and people by monitoring premises, enforcing security protocols, and responding to emergencies. Their duties often include patrolling designated areas, checking security systems, controlling access points, and reporting suspicious activities. They may work in various settings such as commercial buildings, residential complexes, or public institutions. Guard Force Security officers play a crucial role in deterring criminal activity and ensuring a safe environment for everyone on the premises.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Guard Force Security professional?

To excel as a Guard Force Security professional, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and sometimes security guard licensing or certification is typically required. Strong observation skills, integrity, and effective communication set individuals apart in this field. These skills ensure the safety and protection of people and property while enabling swift, appropriate responses to security incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by Guard Force Security personnel, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Guard Force Security personnel often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, adapting to irregular work hours, and maintaining vigilance during routine tasks. Applicants can prepare by developing strong situational awareness, practicing conflict resolution skills, and maintaining physical fitness. Familiarizing themselves with security protocols and being adaptable to changing environments will also help them succeed in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Guard Force Security vs Security Officer?

AspectGuard Force SecuritySecurity Officer
CredentialsSecurity license, basic trainingSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, residential sitesCommercial, industrial, residential sites
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, private companiesSecurity firms, private companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Guard Force Security and Security Officers typically require similar credentials and work in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job roles, but they often perform similar duties such as surveillance, access control, and patrolling within private security settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Guard Force Security jobs?

Cities in California with the most Guard Force Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Guard Force Security job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Head of Physical Security

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview
At Prosegur, we make our world safer by taking care of people and businesses while remaining at the forefront of innovation. Every day, we work to secure what our clients value most, from their families to their assets, from their reputation to their networks, and from their money to their cloud. As the 3rd largest security services provider, our 175k+ team members in 36 countries combine and adapt global best practices to match the unique nature of each market we serve and partner with Electronic Security, Global Risk Services, CyberSecurity, and Remote Services (iSOC) divisions to create meaningful 'Hybrid Security' solutions for Prospects.
Job Details
Prosegur is seeking a Head of Physical Security to own the day-to-day security posture of our client's Palo Alto headquarters. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to build - not just maintain - a physical security program from the ground up, in an environment where the threat landscape, stakes, and operational tempo are unlike a typical corporate campus.
You will lead guard force management, access control, incident response, and future facility buildouts, while serving as the primary point of accountability for the physical safety of our people, our facility, and our work.
Please note, this is an embedded position located at our client's campus. The selected candidate will work onsite as an integrated member of the client's security operations while remaining employed by Prosegur.
What You'll Do
  • Guard Force Leadership: Manage relationships with contract guard vendors (or build an in-house model, as the program matures), including staffing, post orders, training standards, and performance accountability.
  • Access Control: Own the design, administration, and continuous improvement of badge/credential systems, visitor management, and physical access policies across HQ.
  • 24x7 Incident Response: Serve as the senior escalation point for physical security incidents at any hour - from access anomalies to credible threats - with clear protocols for triage, response, and after-action review.
  • Facility Buildouts: Partner with Workplace, Facilities, and Design/Construction teams to embed security requirements (CCTV, sensors, mantraps, safe rooms, perimeter hardening, etc.) into future office expansions and buildouts from day one.
  • Threat Monitoring & Assessment: Maintain situational awareness of threats relevant to the company, its people, and the broader AI industry; translate open-source and vendor intelligence into actionable posture changes.
  • Executive & VIP Support: Coordinate physical security considerations for leadership and high-visibility personnel, including ad hoc travel, events, and public appearances as needed.
  • Policy & Program Development: Build out physical security policies, emergency response plans, and training programs (e.g., active threat, evacuation, workplace violence prevention) suited to a fast-scaling, high-profile organization.
  • Budget & Vendor Management: Own the physical security budget and manage vendor relationships across guarding, technology, and investigative/intelligence services.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with IT/InfoSec, HR, Legal, and Facilities to ensure physical and information security postures are aligned.

What We're Looking For
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in physical security, executive protection, or a related discipline, with meaningful time spent in a leadership or program-ownership role.
  • Background in military, federal law enforcement, or high-tier corporate/private sector security (e.g., Secret Service, other federal protective details, special operations, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience building or significantly maturing a physical security program - not just operating within an existing one.
  • Direct experience managing contract guard forces, including vendor selection, post order development, and performance management.
  • Working knowledge of access control systems, video surveillance, and physical security technology procurement/integration.
  • Experience supporting security requirements for office buildouts or construction projects (CPTED principles a plus).
  • Comfort operating in a high-consequence, low-visibility environment - this is a company where discretion, judgment, and calm-under-pressure matter as much as technical competence.
  • Availability and willingness to respond to incidents outside of standard business hours.
  • Experience in tech, AI/ML, crypto, or other high-profile/high-threat industries is a strong plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief executives clearly and concisely under time pressure.

Nice to Have
  • Existing relationships with Bay Area law enforcement, threat intelligence vendors, or guard force providers.
  • Experience with Verkada or other cloud-based access control platforms.
  • Familiarity with California-specific security licensing and compliance requirements (e.g.,BSIS)

Education Requirements
  • High School Diploma

Additional Information / Benefits
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K/403b Plan
  • Short Term Disability
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Sick Days
  • Vision Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Life Insurance