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Patrol Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join us. AECOM is seeking experienced, creative, and highly talented Safety Service Patrol Operators in Fairfax, VA. These positions will be a direct report to the Safety Service Patrol (SSP ...

Join us. AECOM is seeking experienced, creative, and highly talented Safety Service Patrol Operators in Fairfax, VA. These positions will be a direct report to the Safety Service Patrol (SSP ...

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Patrol Operator information

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$14

$28

$48

How much do patrol operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patrol operator in the United States is $28.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Patrol Operator typically collaborate with other security personnel and emergency services during incidents?

Patrol Operators often serve as the first responders to incidents on-site and play a crucial role in coordinating with other security staff and external emergency services. They are responsible for accurately communicating the situation, relaying important information, and following established protocols to ensure an effective response. Collaboration may involve providing detailed incident reports, guiding emergency responders to specific locations, and supporting team members to maintain safety and order. Regular briefings and the use of communication tools like radios or mobile devices ensure that everyone stays informed and cohesive in their response.

What are Patrol Operators?

Patrol Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and securing specific areas to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized activities. They typically patrol assigned locations by vehicle or on foot, observe for suspicious behavior, and respond to incidents or emergencies as needed. Patrol Operators may work for security companies, law enforcement, or private organizations, and their duties often include reporting incidents, checking access points, and providing assistance to the public. Their presence helps deter crime and maintain order in various settings such as neighborhoods, commercial properties, or industrial sites.

What does a patrol officer do?

A patrol officer is responsible for monitoring assigned areas to prevent and respond to incidents, enforce laws, and ensure public safety. They conduct regular patrols, respond to emergencies, write reports, and may use tools like radios and patrol vehicles. The role often requires good observation skills, knowledge of laws, and sometimes certification or training in law enforcement procedures.

What is the difference between Patrol Operator vs Security Guard?

AspectPatrol OperatorSecurity Guard
CertificationsSecurity license, sometimes specialized trainingSecurity license, basic training often required
Work EnvironmentPatrolling designated areas, often outdoors or large facilitiesMonitoring premises, access control, indoor or outdoor settings
Employer & IndustrySecurity companies, industrial sites, transportationCommercial buildings, retail, residential complexes
Job FocusPatrolling, surveillance, incident responseMonitoring, preventing theft, maintaining safety

Both Patrol Operators and Security Guards hold security licenses and work in safety-focused environments. Patrol Operators typically patrol large areas or outdoor sites, focusing on surveillance and incident response, while Security Guards often monitor indoor premises and control access. Their roles complement each other within the security industry, but their specific duties and work settings differ.

What are the top 10 occupations?

For patrol operators, common related occupations include security guards, police officers, correctional officers, surveillance officers, security supervisors, loss prevention specialists, security analysts, emergency dispatchers, security system installers, and private investigators. These roles often require similar skills such as vigilance, communication, and knowledge of security protocols. The top occupations can vary based on industry demand and geographic location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patrol Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patrol Operator, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, situational awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supported by a security guard license. Familiarity with surveillance equipment, two-way radios, GPS tracking systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safety, quick incident response, and accurate reporting while patrolling assigned areas.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Patrol operators in security or surveillance roles can earn around $10,000 per month with experience, especially in high-risk or specialized environments. These positions often require training, certifications, and the ability to work flexible hours, but typically do not require a college degree.

What does a patrol driver do?

A patrol driver, often called a patrol operator, is responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas to ensure safety and security. They operate vehicles, observe for suspicious activity or hazards, and report incidents or maintain logs during their shifts, which may require a valid driver's license and safety training.
What cities are hiring for Patrol Operator jobs? Cities with the most Patrol Operator job openings:
What states have the most Patrol Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Patrol Operator jobs include:
Safety Service Patroller - Fairfax

Safety Service Patroller - Fairfax

AECOM

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Establish temporary traffic control for emergency responders and provide scene assistance.

  • Detect incidents and disruptions in traffic and clear obstructions and debris from the roadway.

  • Assist motorists with tire changes, fuel delivery, jump starts, water for overheating radiators, phone access, and directions.


AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 79 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking experienced, creative, and highly talented Safety Service Patrol Operators in Fairfax, VA. These positions will be a direct report to the Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Supervisor and Management Team with direct public and multi-agency communications.

As this is a 24/7/365 operation center, schedules are dictated by operational need and stated in advance and will include on call duties. Schedules may vary and individuals selected will be required to successfully complete certification training.'

The responsibilities of the SSP include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing temporary traffic control for emergency responders and providing scene assistance.
  • Detecting incidents and disruptions in traffic.
  • Clearing obstructions and debris from the roadway.
  • The Safety Service Patrol also offers help to individual motorists, including:
  • Tire change assistance.
  • Fuel to get to the nearest gas station.
  • Jump starts.
  • Water for overheating radiators.
  • Phone access to call tow / recovery services.
  • Directions.

To ensure safety, Safety Service Patrol Operators are provided with special highly visible, reflective uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 

  • High School Diploma and or equivalent certificate (GED) or 1 year of relevant work experience in lieu of education. 
  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age. 
  • Ability to drive, using an AECOM provided vehicle, patrolling and monitoring a segment of interstate roadway in an assigned region. 
  • Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security background check; must also successfully complete Virginia Department of Transportation fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC). 
  • Possess a valid Driver's License and a clean driving record in the last 3 years, including no suspension of license or single violation that the department of motor vehicle treats as worth 6 demerits. 
  • Employees must also participate in monthly MVR monitoring program and maintain a satisfactory driving record as a condition of employment. 
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and successfully participate in the program's mandatory random drug screening process. 

Work Environment/Physical requirements - Essential Functions 

Physically able, with or without an accommodation, to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, cold, moisture, dust, dryness, noise, and automotive-related chemicals (e.g., fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.); position requires frequent operation of vehicles. Work around heavy, moving, dangerous equipment; often standing/walking. The essential functions of this job include the: 

  • Ability to lift up to 85 pounds. 
  • Ability to pull/drag a force gauge to produce 160ft./lbs of force with a contact point of 36 inches off the ground. 
  • Ability to lift a 40-pound tool bag. 
  • Ability to perform repetitive bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and/or crouching and occasionally work with arms above shoulder level. 
  • Ability to perform fine motor skills. 
  • Ability to perform hand gripping/squeezing for hand tools and equipment (levers, jack handles, air compressor, jumper cables etc.). 
  • Ability to occasionally work at heights less than 4ft. 
  • Ability to climb stairs.  
  • Ability to descend/ascend vehicle steps. 

Please Note: This position is contingent upon successfully completing functional tests for each essential function identified for this position. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Five (5) years of driving experience. 
  • Prior Safety Service Patrol Operator experience. 
  • Knowledge/experience of incident management techniques. 
  • Radio and telecommunications experience. 
  • Possess or be able and willing to obtain CPR certifications. 
  • Basic competency in using computers such as laptops, smart pads. 
  • Working knowledge of basic automotive repair. 
  • A positive customer service attitude - both to co-workers (internal customers) and external customers. 
  • Geographic familiarity with regional freeway system and arterial roads. 
Additional Information
  • This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization. 
  • This position does not include relocation benefits. 
  • This is NOT a remote position but located on the client site locations. 
  • Opportunities for overtime hours and pay are also available. 

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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