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Operations Security Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Specialist - Journeyman

NJ ยท On-site

$57.33/hr

The Journeyman Security Specialist will support daily operations in coordination with the Special Security Representative (SSR) or Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) to implement enhanced ...

The Journeyman Security Specialist will support daily operations in coordination with the Special Security Representative (SSR) or Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) to implement enhanced ...

The Journeyman Security Specialist will support daily operations in coordination with the Special Security Representative (SSR) or Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) to implement enhanced ...

The Journeyman Security Specialist will support daily operations in coordination with the Special Security Representative (SSR) or Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) to implement enhanced ...

The Journeyman Security Specialist will support daily operations in coordination with the Special Security Representative (SSR) or Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO) to implement enhanced ...

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Operations Security Specialist information

See salary details

$34.5K

$78.2K

$131.5K

How much do operations security specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations security specialist in the United States is $78,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Security Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Security Specialist, you need a solid background in information security principles, risk management, and incident response, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM platforms, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills enable effective threat identification and collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital to proactively safeguard organizational assets and ensure compliance with security policies.

What is the difference between Operations Security Specialist vs Security Analyst?

AspectOperations Security SpecialistSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISACompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentOperational teams, cybersecurity departmentsSecurity operations centers, IT departments
Industry UsageIT, government, finance, healthcareIT, corporate, government, finance

Operations Security Specialists focus on implementing and maintaining security measures within operational processes, ensuring security protocols are followed during daily activities. Security Analysts primarily monitor, analyze, and respond to security threats and incidents. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, the Operations Security Specialist emphasizes operational security procedures, whereas the Security Analyst concentrates on threat detection and incident response.

What does an Operations Security Specialist do?

An Operations Security Specialist is responsible for identifying and protecting sensitive information and operational procedures from unauthorized access or disclosure. They analyze organizational processes to detect vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and ensure compliance with security policies and regulations. Their work includes conducting risk assessments, training staff on security protocols, and responding to security incidents to minimize potential threats. These specialists play a vital role in safeguarding an organization's data, assets, and reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by an Operations Security Specialist and how can they be addressed?

Operations Security Specialists often encounter challenges such as balancing security protocols with operational efficiency, staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. These challenges can be addressed by continuously updating knowledge through training, working closely with IT and other departments to implement practical security measures, and developing clear communication channels to report and resolve security incidents promptly. Proactive risk assessment and fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization are also key strategies for success in this role.
What states have the most Operations Security Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Operations Security Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Operations Security Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,176 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
CTPAT & Operations Security Specialist

CTPAT & Operations Security Specialist

Forward Air Corporation

Des Plaines, IL โ€ข On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description


Position: CTPAT & Operations Security Specialist
Compensation: $70,000 - 80,000 Annually
The CTPAT & Operations Security Specialist is responsible for administering, interpreting, and enforcing security, regulatory compliance, and related initiatives across the company's enterprise operational network. They serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) compliance, and supports Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), and customer security objectives. They play a critical role in safeguarding the organization against regulatory, operational, and reputational risk through proactive oversight and audit readiness. They partner closely with Operations, Security, Legal, and Quality teams to ensure consistent, compliant execution security programs across the enterprise.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the enterprise owner and centralized authority for CTPAT compliance strategy, execution, and oversight.

  • Assess operational practices for compliance risks, conduct gap analyses, and determine appropriate corrective action plans to mitigate regulatory exposure.

  • Lead and support internal audits and regulatory reviews, providing expert interpretation of findings and required responses.

  • Validate facility-level compliance with CTPAT and TSA standards, including physical security controls, cargo handling procedures, and chain-of-custody requirements.

  • Provide authoritative guidance to operations and leadership regarding compliant cargo handling, documentation, exceptions, and security incidents.

  • Analyze compliance data, trends, and reports to inform leadership decisions related to audit readiness, training effectiveness, and risk exposure.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Security, Quality, and Operations to resolve complex compliance issues and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Maintain enterprise-level CTPAT documentation standards and retention practices to ensure continuous audit readiness.

  • Participate in cross-functional compliance, security, and regulatory initiatives, including TSA and TAPA alignment where applicable.

  • Travel as needed to conduct site assessments, validate compliance practices, and support continuous improvement efforts.

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required; Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

  • Experience: 3+ years' progressive experience in CTPAT, TSA compliance, air cargo operations, freight forwarding, LTL, or logistics within regulated environments.

  • Demonstrated working knowledge of CTPAT, TSA, TAPA or similar security compliance programs; professional certifications such as CTPAT SCSS, ASIS, or Certified Quality Auditor preferred.

  • Proven ability to interpret regulatory requirements and exercise independent judgment in applying them across complex, multi-site operations.

  • Experience supporting audits, inspections, and interactions with government agencies or regulatory bodies.

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation management skills with an audit-focused mindset.

  • Effective communicator capable of advising and influencing operational and leadership stakeholders on compliance matters.

  • Language: Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.

  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).

  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.