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Protective Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide emergency medical care to clients and team members during protective operations. * Perform CPR, ALS/ACLS, and trauma care within the scope of certification. * Monitor client well-being ...

Provide emergency medical care to clients and team members during protective operations. * Perform CPR, ALS/ACLS, and trauma care within the scope of certification. * Monitor client well-being ...

Protective Operations Oversight: Direct field operations for security personnel, including post orders, patrols, response plans, and incident management protocols. * Training & Readiness: Plan ...

Operations Engineer (Space)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$132K - $161K/yr

Provides space protection operations mission expertise to acquisition managers and software engineers in the development of tools that provide operators Indications and Warning against Space threats.

... protection safety and claims and receiving procedures by reviewing the application of policiesprocedures compliance guidelines for example cold chain hazardous materials and operational controls ...

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Protective Operations information

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How much do protective operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 is 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 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.

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 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.

How do I become a protective operations officer?

To become a protective operations officer, candidates typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training in protective tactics and threat assessment. Certifications such as Close Protection or Executive Protection training are often required, and strong communication, situational awareness, and physical fitness are essential. Many roles also require a security clearance or background check depending on the employer and assignment.
More about Protective Operations jobs

What are popular job titles for Protective Operations?

Popular job titles for Protective Operations:

Infographic showing various Protective Operations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,344 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Executive Protection Agent

Richmond, VA

University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

170+ Years Strong. Industry Leader. Global Impact.At Pinkerton, the mission is to protect our clients. To do this, we provide enterprise risk management services and programs specifically designed for each client. Pinkerton employees are one of our most important assets and critical to the delivery of world-class solutions. Bonded together, we share a commitment to integrity, vigilance, and excellence.

Pinkerton is an inclusive employer who seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our network of industry subject matter experts.

The Executive Protection Agent, assigned to a specific client, is responsible for managing foreseeable risk to the welfare, physical safety, and security of a high-profile client through advance planning, protective operations, and real-time decision-making. 

Responsibilities
  • Represent Pinkerton's core values of integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
  • Conduct advance planning and threat and vulnerability assessments for travel and events, with the objective of identifying and reducing avoidable exposures related to timing, routing, locations, and dwell time.
  • Provide close protection and related protective support for the client and/or family members during movements to events and appointments, applying evasive and/or defensive driving techniques when operationally required to manage safety and security risks.
  • Provide in-person support for meetings, events, and travel days.
  • Coordinate closely with the Executive Driver and local resources, as required, to support secure arrivals and departures and to maintain continuity of protective coverage.
  • Relay updates and information to the Executive Protection (EP) Manager during principal travel days.
  • During non-travel days, provide support to the EP Manager.
  • Effectively manage client and/or family member requests within the boundaries of established safety, security protocols, and protective best practices.
  • Respond to emergencies and perform medical operations, as needed.
  • Deescalate tense situations or individuals that arise.
  • Communicate vulnerabilities or safety concerns in a timely manner.
  • Complete suspicious activity reports, incident reports, shift logs, pattern of life documentation, medical treatment reports, and other required records to support situational awareness, continuity of protection, and program accountability.
  • Assist with protection schedules and team assignments, as directed.
  • Ensure assigned vehicles are operationally ready, maintained in accordance with safety and maintenance guidelines, and prepared to support protective operations.
  • Maintain and operate equipment.
  • All other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with at least five years of executive protection experience including advance planning for high-profile clients. VA DCJS Personal Protection Specialist registration and/or 32E Personal Protection Specialist training, required. 

  • Defensive/protective driving skills, preferred. 
  • International experience, preferred.
  • Professional client service skills appropriate to an executive-facing protective role, including discretion, responsiveness, and the ability to support client needs while maintaining safety, security, and professional boundaries.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Sound independent judgment/decision-making and problem resolution skills.
  • Able to interact effectively at all levels and across diverse cultures.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
  • Computer knowledge; Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions:

With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions;

  • Regular computer usage.
  • Occasional reaching and lifting of small objects and operating office equipment. 
  • Maintain composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
  • Exposure to stressful situations, such as challenging individuals who are in or approaching an unauthorized area.
  • Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual or emergency situations.
  • Work in environments and under conditions that require the use of protective gear and devices, and/or awareness of personal safety and safety of others.
  • Frequent sitting, standing and/or walking, which may be required for long periods of time, and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
  • On occasion, may be required to perform stressful and physical activity.
  • 24/7 availability.
  • Domestic and/or international travel, as needed.

Pinkerton is an equal opportunity employer to all applicants and positions without regard to race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/prenatal status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any protected status by local, state, federal or country-specific law.

Benefits

Benefit options include employer-paid life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D, medical, (HSA) Health Savings Account, (FSA) Flexible Savings Account, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(K), paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays) and several employee assistance-related programs. This information provides a brief benefit overview. Upon the acceptance of an employment offer, the new employee will receive comprehensive plan details based on specific eligibility rules.

Posted Salary RangeUSD $115,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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