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High Risk Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Model Policy, Frontier Cyber Risk

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$207K - $295K/yr

Experience building or applying threat models to complex technical systems, especially in adversarial or high-risk environments. * Ability to translate technical security expertise into structured ...

KENWOOD RE LLC

Security Officer

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Request emergency personnel for high-risk situations Qualifications: * Has a Security Guard Certificate * Previous experience in security, law enforcement, or other related fields * Familiarity with ...

KENWOOD RE LLC

Security Officer

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Request emergency personnel for high-risk situations Qualifications: * Has a Security Guard Certificate * Previous experience in security, law enforcement, or other related fields * Familiarity with ...

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How much do high risk security jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for high risk security in California is $49.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.34 and $59.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a High Risk Security job?

A High Risk Security job involves protecting people, property, or assets in dangerous or unpredictable environments. These roles often include working in conflict zones, high-crime areas, or securing valuable resources. Responsibilities may include risk assessment, emergency response, and threat mitigation. Professionals in this field typically have military, law enforcement, or specialized security training. Strong situational awareness and decision-making skills are essential for success in these roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the High Risk Security position, and why are they important?

To excel in High Risk Security, candidates typically need a background in law enforcement, military, or security, alongside strong situational awareness and risk assessment abilities. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, access control systems, and relevant certifications such as a security license or specialized high-risk training is often required. Exceptional composure, quick decision-making, and effective communication skills are crucial soft attributes in this field. These competencies help ensure the safety of people and assets in challenging, unpredictable environments where rapid and coordinated responses are vital.

What are the typical working conditions and team structures for High Risk Security professionals?

High Risk Security professionals often work in environments where there is an elevated potential for incidents, such as executive protection, critical infrastructure, or sensitive events. The work is usually conducted as part of a team, with each member assigned specific responsibilities such as surveillance, access control, or rapid response. Shifts can vary, including nights, weekends, or holidays, depending on the level of risk and operational needs. Teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability are especially important, as these roles regularly require coordination with local law enforcement or emergency responders to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
More about High Risk Security jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of High Risk Security jobs in California? The most popular types of High Risk Security jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to High Risk Security jobs in California? For High Risk Security jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching High Risk Security jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for High Risk Security jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for High Risk Security jobs? Cities in California with the most High Risk Security job openings:
High Risk Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various High Risk Security job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,475 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Protective Services Officer - Critical Sites | Santa Clara

Cooke and Associates, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW
Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) is seeking an experienced, operationally focused Protective Services Officer - Critical Sites to support armed, uniformed security operations at a fixed critical-site location in Santa Clara, California. This role is designed for a seasoned law enforcement professional who maintains a high level of vigilance, professionalism, and engagement while operating within a structured security environment.
The Protective Services Officer serves as a visible deterrent and active member of the site security operation, supporting access control, patrol operations, and incident response in accordance with established post orders and CAI policies.
POSITION DETAILS
Location:
This is an onsite role at a single fixed critical-site location in Santa Clara, CA. No remote work or relocation assistance is available.
Schedule:
Day shift, Monday through Friday. Up to 30 hours per week. No weekend work.
Employment Type:
Part-Time, W-2 Employee
Attire:
Uniformed security role.
Role Type:
Armed, exposed-carry, uniformed critical-site security.
Authorized Equipment:
Sidearm standard. Patrol rifles and shotguns are authorized in accordance with site authorization, training, and policy and issued to officers.
Compensation:
$40.00 per hour. Overtime eligibility in accordance with California state and Federal labor laws.
POSITION SUMMARY
This position functions as an armed, uniformed Protective Services Officer assigned to a critical-site environment. The PSO provides access control, conducts patrols, and responds to incidents in alignment with site-specific post orders and escalation protocols.
The Protective Services Officer operates within established client requirements and Cooke & Associates policies and does not function as law enforcement. All actions must align with approved use-of-force guidelines, post orders, and escalation procedures.
This role requires sound judgment, situational awareness, and consistent professional engagement throughout each shift.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Maintain the safety and security of the assigned critical site, including employees, vendors, and visitors.
  • Provide armed, uniformed presence to deter, detect, and report security threats.
  • Conduct fixed-post and roving patrols of buildings, perimeters, and surrounding areas.
  • Monitor and control access points, entrances, exits, and restricted areas.
  • Respond to security incidents, medical emergencies, and other site events in accordance with post orders.
  • Identify, report, and appropriately delay or detain individuals who violate site rules or security protocols, consistent with training and policy.
  • Coordinate with on-site security leadership and external emergency responders when required.
  • Operate a motor vehicle safely and legally when required for site operations.
  • Maintain situational awareness and professional presence throughout assigned shifts.
  • Safeguard sensitive and confidential information in accordance with CAI policies and NDAs.
  • Submit accurate activity logs, incident reports, and required documentation in a timely manner.
  • Represent Cooke & Associates, Inc. professionally at all times.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
  • Minimum 8 years of prior law enforcement experience.
  • Valid and current California BSIS Guard Card and California Exposed Firearm Permit at time of application.
  • All licenses and permits must remain valid and current throughout employment.
  • HR218 / LEOSA credentials are NOT accepted for this role.
  • Not listed on, and not pending placement on, any state or national law enforcement decertification list.
  • Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background investigation.
  • Ability to successfully complete drug screening.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to exercise sound operational judgment and maintain professionalism in a high-visibility environment.
  • Ability to work independently while integrating effectively within a structured security operation.
  • Basic proficiency with smartphones, radios, and security communication platforms.

PREFERRED
  • Tactical experience such as SWAT, SRU, or patrol rifle operations.
  • Prior experience in critical-site or high-risk security environments.
  • Advanced training in defensive tactics or emergency response.
TECHNOLOGY & REPORTING EXPECTATIONS
  • Proficient use of radios, smartphones, and security communication platforms.
  • Ability to use a computer for basic business functions, including email and internal systems.
  • Ability to accurately complete electronic activity logs, incident reports, and required documentation.
  • Comfortable operating within CAI and client reporting and incident management systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to conduct routine foot patrols throughout the site.
  • Ability to respond quickly to incidents, including moving short distances at a rapid pace when required.
  • Ability to safely carry and deploy authorized equipment consistent with training and policy.
WHO THIS ROLE IS NOT FOR
This role is not suited for individuals seeking a passive or observational security position. It requires consistent engagement, situational awareness, and professional presence throughout each shift.
This position is also not appropriate for individuals unwilling to adhere strictly to post orders, maintain an active uniformed presence, or operate within a structured critical-site security environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Employment with Cooke & Associates, Inc. is at-will, meaning that you or Cooke & Associates, Inc. may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.

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