1

Merchant Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly ... Security Specialist. But there are a few skills you should have from the get-go: High school ...

Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly ... Security Specialist. But, there are a few skills you should have from the get-go: * Must be at ...

Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly ... Security Specialist. But, there are a few skills you should have from the get-go: * High school ...

Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly ... Security Specialist. But, there are a few skills you should have from the get-go: * Must be at ...

Showing results 21-40

Merchant Security information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do merchant security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant security in California is $26.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a merchant security officer do?

Merchant security officers are professionals responsible for protecting retail stores, shopping centers, or commercial premises from theft, vandalism, and other security threats. Their duties often include monitoring surveillance cameras, patrolling store floors, checking for suspicious activity, responding to security breaches, and ensuring the safety of employees and customers. They may also assist with loss prevention strategies and cooperate with law enforcement if crimes occur on the premises.

What are the most common challenges faced by merchant security personnel in a retail environment?

Merchant Security personnel in retail settings often face challenges such as preventing shoplifting, managing confrontations with suspected offenders, and balancing customer service with vigilance. They must stay alert to suspicious behavior while maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor for shoppers. Additionally, adapting to evolving security technologies and protocols, as well as collaborating with store management and local law enforcement, is crucial for effective incident response and loss prevention.

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

To excel as a Merchant Security, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a good understanding of security protocols, and sometimes a valid security guard license. Familiarity with surveillance systems, alarm monitoring tools, and incident reporting software is often required. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication help you quickly respond to threats and interact with customers or law enforcement. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure a safe environment for both staff and customers while protecting assets from theft or damage.

What is the difference between Merchant Security vs Merchant Loss Prevention Specialist?

AspectMerchant SecurityMerchant Loss Prevention Specialist
CertificationsSecurity licenses, CCTV trainingLoss prevention certifications, security licenses
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, malls, online platformsRetail stores, warehouses, distribution centers
Employer & IndustryRetail businesses, security firmsRetail chains, security companies

Merchant Security focuses on safeguarding retail premises through surveillance, access control, and security protocols. In contrast, Merchant Loss Prevention Specialists primarily work to prevent theft, fraud, and inventory loss by analyzing security data and implementing loss reduction strategies. Both roles require similar certifications and often operate within the retail industry, but their core responsibilities differ: one emphasizes overall security, the other focuses on loss prevention.

What job categories do people searching Merchant Security jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchant Security jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Merchant Security job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,628 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Target Security Specialist

Target Brands, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,989 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Starting Hourly Rate / Salario por Hora Inicial: $24.00 USD per hour
ALL ABOUT TARGET
As part of our collaborative and guest-obsessed team, you help us create an experience that makes guests say, "I love Target!" When you work at Target, you're helping every family discover the joy in everyday life. You're working alongside an enthusiastic, dedicated team that brings their passion and pride to all that they do. You will deliver a destination shopping experience by providing a safe and secure environment for our guests and mitigate shortage risks in order to drive sales.
ALL ABOUT ASSETS PROTECTION
AP teams function to provide a safe and secure environment for our team members and guests, and meet financial goals of shortage and profitability in a Target store. AP teams will do this by leading a physical security and safety culture and responding to crisis events, investigating and resolving theft, and creating awareness and educating team members on operational shortage priorities.
At Target we believe in our team members having meaningful experiences that help them build and develop skills for a career. The role of a Target Security Specialist can provide you with the:
• Skills using intelligence-led tactics to keep team members and guests safe and secure
• Experience in crisis response, safety and crowd management; providing support to both guests and team members
• Skills in de-escalation as well as experience with recovering stolen merchandise to prevent shortage
• Ability to utilize Target's video surveillance system
• Ability to properly document cases using industry case management systems
As a Target Security Specialist, no two days are ever the same, but a typical day will most likely include the following responsibilities:
• Support sales by welcoming and engaging guests and team members at the front of store and on the sales floor; help guests find the products they are looking for, in-store and online
• Lead a physical security culture for our team members and guests by assessing and maintaining safe and secure standards throughout the store, including exterior property.
• Respond to and accurately document security incidents.
• Understand and leverage escalation tools for guest issues in order to provide a safe and secure environment for our team members and guests.
• Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly adhering to AP policies and procedures and AP leadership guidance.
• Prevent theft and shortage at the front of store by performing receipt checks for exposed high-dollar merchandise.
• Submit appropriate documentation in the system for all incidents following AP policy and procedures.
• Understand and appropriately use the video system.
• Train team members to apply merchandise protection and audit execution.
• Teach and train team members on operational shortage focus area opportunities as directed by AP leadership.
• Execute shortage action plans set by AP leadership to minimize shortage in focus areas.
• Model working safely while maintaining a clean store for guests and team members.
• Provide service and a shopping experience that meets the needs of the guest.
• Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety, and compliance.
• All other duties based on business needs.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We might be a great match if:
• Working in a fun and energetic environment makes you excited.... We work efficiently and as a team to deliver for our guests
• Providing service to our guests that makes them say I LOVE TARGET! excites you.... That's why we love working at Target
• Stocking, Setting and Selling Target products sounds like your thing... That's the core of what we do.
• You aren't looking for Monday thru Friday job where you are at a computer all day... We are busy all day (especially on the weekends), making it easy for the guest to feel welcomed, inspired and rewarded
The good news is that we have some amazing training that will help teach you everything you need to know to be a Target Security Specialist. But there are a few skills you should have from the get-go:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older
• Welcoming and helpful attitude toward guests and other team members
• Learn and adapt to current technology needs
• Effective communication skills
• Work both independently and with a team
• Manage workload and prioritize tasks independently
We are an awesome place to work and care about our teams, so we want to make sure we are clear on a few more basics that we expect:
• Climb up and down ladders
• Apprehend subjects in accordance with company policy
• Scan, handle and move merchandise efficiently and safely, including frequently lifting or moving merchandise up to 40 pounds
• Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends and holidays) and regular attendance necessary
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
Target will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_A | Pegue esta URL en su navegador preferido para obtener información sobre la elegibilidad de este puesto para recibir beneficios: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_A
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.

What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Target logo

About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US