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Protective Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chenega Corporation

Protective Security Officer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Summary The Protective Security Officer (PSO) provides armed security services at federally protected IRS facilities in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Protective ...

Chenega Corporation

Protective Security Officer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Summary The Protective Security Officer (PSO) provides armed security services at federally protected IRS facilities in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Protective ...

SecurAmerica

Protective Security Officers

Frederick, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Protective Security Officers American Security Programs is a premium contract security services company based in Northern Virginia and a wholly owned subsidiary of SecurAmerica. Our mission is to ...

Constellis

Protective Security Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Protective Security Officer As a Protective Security Officer (PSO) serving on a Federal Government contract, you will be responsible for maintaining security, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the ...

ESR Healthcare

Protective Security Officer

Concord, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Protective Security Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining the safety and security of federally owned, leased, or occupied facilities protected by the Federal Protective Service. This ...

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How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in the United States is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protective Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response, usually supported by relevant certifications or security licenses. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication help in diffusing situations and maintaining safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing security breaches, protecting people and property, and responding effectively to threats.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Protective Security roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Protective Security often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, the need for constant vigilance, and balancing strict security protocols with maintaining a welcoming environment. Managing these challenges requires ongoing training, strong situational awareness, and effective communication with both team members and clients. Collaboration with law enforcement and other emergency services is also vital to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and to keep up to date with best practices in risk assessment and mitigation.

What are protective security jobs?

Protective security jobs involve roles focused on safeguarding people, property, and information from threats such as theft, violence, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Professionals in this field may work in areas like physical security (guards, surveillance), cybersecurity, risk assessment, and emergency response. They are employed by private companies, government agencies, and security firms to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Duties often include monitoring security systems, enforcing access controls, responding to incidents, and conducting security audits.

What is the difference between Protective Security vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, training in threat assessmentSecurity license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, event security, executive protectionBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate clientsCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Security and Security Guards both focus on safety, but Protective Security involves higher-level threat assessment and protection, often in high-risk environments. Security Guards typically perform routine patrols and access control. While both roles require licensing, Protective Security usually demands additional training and experience, making it suitable for more specialized security tasks.

More about Protective Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Protective Security jobs? Cities with the most Protective Security job openings:
What states have the most Protective Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Protective Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protective Security jobs are:
Protective Security jobs near you
Protective Security Officer

Protective Security Officer

Chenega Corporation

Lanham, MD • On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Summary

The Protective Security Officer (PSO) provides armed security services at federally protected IRS facilities in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Protective Service (FPS). PSOs are responsible for controlling access, protecting federal personnel and property, detecting and responding to security threats, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, post orders, and FPS standards.

Responsibilities

  • Perform access control duties by verifying identification, controlling entry and exit of personnel, visitors, vehicles, and property
  • Conduct screening operations using x-ray machines, magnetometers, hand-held detectors, and manual inspection techniques, as required
  • Perform patrol and response duties, including interior and exterior patrols, alarm response, and observation for suspicious activity
  • Operate security and safety systems such as CCTV, fire alarms, intrusion detection systems, and communication equipment
  • Process visitors by verifying identification, issuing badges, maintaining logs, and coordinating escorts
  • Identify, report, delay, or detain individuals who violate rules or pose a security risk, in accordance with post orders and applicable laws
  • Respond to emergencies including medical incidents, fire alarms, hazardous conditions, civil disturbances, and evacuations
  • Prepare accurate and timely reports, logs, and documentation, including incident and prohibited items reports
  • Maintain professional appearance, conduct, and customer service standards while representing FPS and the federal government
  • Safeguard government- and contractor-issued equipment, keys, weapons, and access devices
  • Coordinate with FPS, supervisors, and law enforcement personnel as required
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of armed security, law enforcement, or military experience, or qualifying education/training
  • Meets all FPS Protective Security Officer medical standard qualification requirements
  • Valid Maryland State Police Security Guard Certification
  • Active Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit
  • Current Maryland State Police approved firearms training and weapons qualification
  • Must maintain a professional appearance and comply with all FPS contract uniform and grooming standards as required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain firearms qualification and all required training certifications (CPR/AED/First Aid, FPS training, and post-specific training)
  • Must be able stand, walk, patrol, and respond to emergencies for extended periods

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
  • Strong observation, communication, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to write clear, accurate, and timely reports

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Chenega Corporation and family of companies is an EOE.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Native preference under PL 93-638.

We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program

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