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Protective Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory ...

Protective Operations & Strategic Planning * Establish, update, and enforce protective procedures, threat-mitigation plans, and emergency response protocols. * Oversee scheduling and operational ...

Participate in recurring protective operations training, to include emergency medical, vehicle operations, surveillance detection, and firearms proficiencies. * Operate vehicles, including EV's, golf ...

Liaise with law enforcement agencies, government officials, venue security teams, and event planners to coordinate seamless protective operations. * Deliver emergency medical care as needed and ...

Protective Operations & Strategic Planning * Establish, update, and enforce protective procedures, threat‑mitigation plans, and emergency response protocols. * Oversee scheduling and operational ...

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Protective Operations information

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$12

$24

$38

How much do protective operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective operations in the United States is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in Protective Operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Protective Operations often face challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, high-stress situations, and the need for constant vigilance. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong situational awareness, ongoing training in defensive tactics, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with team members and clients. Building trust within the team and maintaining flexibility in operational planning are also crucial for adapting to unforeseen risks. Continual professional development and debriefings after assignments help teams refine strategies and improve future performance.

What are Protective Operations?

Protective Operations refer to the specialized security services designed to safeguard individuals, such as dignitaries, executives, or other high-profile persons, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. These operations involve risk assessment, advance planning, secure transportation, and close personal protection. Personnel involved in Protective Operations are trained in threat detection, emergency response, and defensive tactics to ensure the safety of their clients in various environments.

What is the difference between Protective Operations vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective OperationsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications, training in protective tacticsBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, close protection, event securityBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate securityCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Operations involves specialized security tasks such as close protection and risk assessment, often requiring advanced training and certifications. Security Guards typically focus on monitoring premises and controlling access. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Protective Operations is more proactive and strategic, whereas Security Guards perform more routine security functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Protective Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protective Operations, you need expertise in threat assessment, physical security, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance systems, communications equipment, and certifications such as Executive Protection or firearms training are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, and strong decision-making under pressure distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills are critical to ensuring the safety of clients and effectively managing risks in high-stakes environments.
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What job categories do people searching Protective Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protective Operations jobs are:
Protective Security Operations Chief (PSOC) - WPS III (Somalia)

Protective Security Operations Chief (PSOC) - WPS III (Somalia)

Acuity International

Reston, VA

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Our vision aims to empower our clients by actively leveraging our broad range of services. With our global presence, we have career opportunities all across the world which can lead to a unique, exciting and fulfilling career path. Pick your path today! To see what career opportunities we have available, explore below to find your next career!

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Responsibilities:

Coordinate Contractor-provided protective operations.

Assist the DS/RSO Watch Officer in the RSO Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

Assist in the coordination and supervision of all protective operations, to include the following:

1. Manage the daily operations of the protection cell within the RSO TOC.

2. Evaluate threatening situations and appropriately call for deployment of additional resources (e.g., Emergency Response Team, Quick Response Force, etc.).

3. Operate communications equipment and monitor and relay radio traffic to effectively controlling the various protection nets.

4. Communicate with entities outside of the protection cell with a variety of voice and text-based communications technology (e.g., local cell phone, regional and global satellite phone, tactical military radio, and UHF/VHF radio.

5. Prepare daily and weekly reports as requested by supervisory chain-of-command.

6. Maintain a watch record.

7. Ensure that PSDs submit required mission paperwork prior to the start of a mission.

8. Monitor PSDs.

9. Assist with mission planning for PSDs.

10. Maintain a database of all protective missions.

11. Brief senior U.S. Embassy personnel during emergency situations.

Qualifications:
For bio approval, the PSOC shall meet the following qualifications:

Applicants must pass the pre-employment Physical Readiness Test (PRT) in order to advance in the application process for the position.

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Must possess either:

1. A minimum of three (3) years' experience providing protective services on WPS III and/or any of its predecessor contracts, or;

2. A minimum of two (2) years' experience providing protective security services on WPS III and/or any of its predecessor contracts with a minimum of six (6) months of that experience being in the TO area of operations.

Must possess a minimum of seven (7) years' experience in protective security assignments.

1. This experience may be gained in the employ of any national, state, provincial, local, or commercial entities providing armed protective services that require skills similar to those identified in the PSS training course as outlined in WPS III IDIQ, Attachment 2, Training. This experience must be earned in locations with significant risk.

2. A minimum of two (2) years of this experience must have been in a protective security supervisory or in-charge capacity.

Must attend and successfully complete a supervisory course meeting the requirements established in WPS III IDIQ, Attachment 1, Position Descriptions, Section 1.2.C.

Upon bio approval and before beginning work on the contract, the PSOC shall:

Attend and successfully complete the PSS training course, as outlined in WPS III IDIQ, Attachment 2, Training.

Qualify with the Glock-19, M4 or MK18 as specified by the designated TO, M240, and M249, re-qualifying as required in WPS III IDIQ, Attachment 2, Training.

Obtain and maintain a Personnel Security Clearance as specified in the TO.

Complete the WPS III Physical Readiness Test, per WPS III IDIQ, Attachment 15, Physical Readiness Test Protocols and Standards, at the sixty-five (65) percent performance level, and maintain that fitness level for the duration of his/her service on the TO.

May not possess any impediments to traveling overseas to and within countries that are considered dangerous or unhealthy in general, or to the country or countries assigned in the applicable TO.

Based upon the needs of the program and Project Management discretion, qualified individuals may be required to temporarily fill an alternate position.

Acuity International is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

For OFCCP compliance, the taxable entity associated with this job posting is:

JANUS ESOP HOLDINGS LLC

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About Acuity International

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Established in Reston, VA, US, Acuity International is an industry leader in providing advanced technology solutions and integrated logistics. The company prides itself on offering clients consulting services, software development, systems engineering, and strategic planning. Founded on the principle of delivering exceptional client service, Acuity International has since its inception been committed to adding value to its clients' businesses through thoughtful planning, product invention, and strategic partnerships.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Year founded

2021

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