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Protective Service Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protective Service Officer - DOJ

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

The role of the Protective Services Officer (PSO) is to ensure and maintain the safety and security of all company personnel, visitors, property and assets within DOJ security assignments. PSO's will ...

Lead Protective Service Officer

Miami Beach, FL

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

... services, including cancer care, 24/7 emergency care, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, and more ... officers as observed. * Prepares and conducts formal training sessions for shift members as ...

Protective Services - Officer

Wilmington, NC ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Must qualify for and maintain a North Carolina Private Protective Service Board Armed Security Officer Registration Permit in accordance with annual training and qualification standards established ...

Protective Services - Officer

Wilmington, NC ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Must qualify for and maintain a North Carolina Private Protective Service Board Armed Security Officer Registration Permit in accordance with annual training and qualification standards established ...

This position reports into the Manager of Protection Services. Other Important Details about the Role: The Security duties require self-motivation and relentless dedication to confidentiality.

Protective Services - Officer

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Must qualify for and maintain a North Carolina Private Protective Service Board Armed Security Officer Registration Permit in accordance with annual training and qualification standards established ...

Protective Services - Officer

Winston Salem, NC ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Must qualify for and maintain a North Carolina Private Protective Service Board Armed Security Officer Registration Permit in accordance with annual training and qualification standards established ...

The Protective Services Officer will help support a 24 hour, 7-day per week shift schedule. Successful candidates must have flexibility to work any shift including afternoons, midnights, weekends ...

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Protective Service Officer information

See salary details

$29K

$56.6K

$100.5K

How much do protective service officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective service officer in the United States is $56,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Protective Service Officer, you need a solid understanding of security procedures, risk assessment, and incident response, often backed by relevant law enforcement or security qualifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and, in some regions, specific certifications in security operations are commonly required. Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety of people and property while responding effectively to potential threats.

What are Protective Service Officers?

Protective Service Officers (PSOs) are law enforcement personnel who are primarily responsible for providing security and protection for people, places, and assets. Their duties often include patrolling designated areas, monitoring security systems, performing access control, and responding to incidents or emergencies. PSOs may work for government agencies, critical infrastructure sites, or private organizations, ensuring the safety of employees, visitors, and property. They receive specialized training in security procedures, conflict management, and emergency response. The specific responsibilities and authority of a PSO can vary depending on their employer and jurisdiction.

What are the most common challenges faced by Protective Service Officers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Protective Service Officers often encounter challenges such as remaining vigilant during long shifts, effectively de-escalating tense situations, and adapting to rapidly changing security threats. These professionals can manage these challenges through regular training in situational awareness, strong communication skills, and teamwork. Many organizations provide ongoing support and resources, including mental health services and refresher courses, to ensure officers remain resilient and prepared for the demands of the role.

What is the difference between Protective Service Officer vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective Service OfficerSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity license, training in public safetySecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces, government facilities, eventsPrivate properties, retail stores, offices
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public safety sectorsPrivate security companies, businesses

Protective Service Officers and Security Guards both ensure safety but differ mainly in their work environments and employer types. Protective Service Officers typically work in public spaces or government facilities, requiring specific public safety training, while Security Guards often operate in private settings. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Protective Service Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Protective Service Officer jobs? Cities with the most Protective Service Officer job openings:
What states have the most Protective Service Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Service Officer jobs include:
Protective Service Officer - DOJ

Protective Service Officer - DOJ

Paragon

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

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Job Descriptionย 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The role of the Protective Services Officer (PSO)ย is to ensure and maintain the safety and security of all company personnel, visitors, property and assets within DOJ security assignments.

PSO's will perform a variety of security-related duties, depending on the posts to which they are assigned to include proactive patrols of DOJ property, monitoring of computer systems including but not limited to building management, access control, fire detection CCTV and visitor management.

Selected PSOs for this high-profile assignment are responsible for detecting and responding to emergencies and securing all entrances and exits subject to emergency situations as necessary. Typical duties include processing visitors and visitor vehicles by verifying identification, enforce property rules and regulations, contact agency sponsors or escorts, fabricating and issuing visitor passes, entering and maintaining data on visitor logs or automated visitor data base programs, detect and report criminal acts, and ensuring visitors are presented for appropriate personnel and package screening.ย 

Ideal candidates have security experience and thrive in safety and security environments where protecting people is a cornerstone of the mission.ย  Additional duties include prevent, discover, delay, and/or detain persons attempting to gain unauthorized access to property and/or personnel at the facility being protected. ย 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:ย 

  • The functions listed describe the business purpose of this job.ย  Specific duties or tasks may vary and be documented separately.ย  The employee might not be required to perform all functions listed.ย  Additional duties may be assigned, and functions may be modified, according to business necessity.
  • All assigned duties or tasks are deemed to be part of the essential functions, unless such duties or tasks are unrelated to the functions listed, in which case they are deemed to be other (non-essential) functions.
  • Employees are held accountable for successful job performance. Job performance standards may be documented separately, and may include function, objectives, duties or tasks not specifically listed herein.
  • In performing functions, duties or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices, and to be aware of company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations.ย  Employees are required to notify superiors upon becoming aware of unsafe working conditions.
  • All functions, duties, tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical and professional manner, and to be performed in conformance with applicable company policies and procedures.ย  In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.

PSO's may be responsible for operating all security equipment on post, such as batons, OC Spray, X-ray machines, magnetometers, closed circuit television (CCTV), handcuffs, and (where required by post assignment) firearms at any time while on duty.

Requirementsย 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship preferred.
  • Be at least 21 years of age.

Education |ย Experience

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Must have completed or graduated from a certified Federal, state, county, local or military law enforcement training academy and able to provide certification as proof
  • Must have graduated from an accredited Law enforcement training academy
  • At least 18 months of acceptable law enforcement or corrections experience
  • Candidates with guard / clearance cards, weapons permit (where applicable) and CPR / first aid certifications are preferred

Background Prerequisites

Must undergo and meet company standards for background | credit | reference checks for this assignment going back 10 years, controlled substance testing, may need to meet physical examination requirements per assignment, government-based background check and behavioral selection survey, in addition to any mandatory licensing requirements.

Competencies (as demonstrated through experience, training, and/or testing):

  • Must be able to meet and continue to meet any applicable state, county and municipal licensing requirements.
  • Must be able to meet and continue to meet requirements for specific skills, certifications or authorizations specified for the assigned site.
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form and the ability to write routine correspondence, including logs and reports.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner in both individual and group settings
  • Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with rules and regulations as they apply to work problems
  • Ability to be an effective team member; to maintain professional composure when dealing with unusual circumstances; to adapt to changes in the external environment and organization and possess good organizational skills.
  • Ability to provide high quality customer service.ย  Courteous telephone manner: good interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at various social levels and across diverse cultures.
  • Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.

    WORKING CONDITIONS: With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions.ย  In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

    • Maintaining composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff and the public, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
    • May be exposed to or required to handle sensitive and confidential information.
    • Required to respond to emergencies.ย 
    • May be exposed to stressful situations, such as challenging individuals who are in or approaching an unauthorized area.
    • May be required to work overtime without advance notice.ย  May be required to work rotating shifts.
    • Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
    • Work is performed inside and outside the property with exposure to inclement weather and unpredictable crisis situations.
    • Shift work required.
    • Ability to remain on post up to four (4) consecutive hours without eating, drinking, or relieving bladder/bowels.ย 
    • Frequent and prolonged walking, standing, sitting, and stooping, up to 12 hours per day, either indoors or outdoors, during daytime or nighttime.
    • May be required to utilize skills for keyboarding, basic computer usage and operating controls.
    • Must be able to see, hear, speak, and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and clients, observe and report incidents, and direct others.

    Certain state's posting requirements ask for additional detail.ย  Depending on geography, site assignment and / or experience:ย 

    Wage rangeย for this position there is an additional Health and Welfare benefit ofย $5.00 per hourย where applicable.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

    • Some site assignments may include a shift differential of an additional $1.75 perย hour.ย ย ย 
    • Certain, specific assignments may includeย additional $1.00ย perย hour.ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 

    Benefitsย 

    • Medical, Dental, Vision,
    • 401k with matching contribution as applicable
    • More!

    ย Word About EEO, Pay Transparency and other regulatory requirements

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

    VA License Number: 11-4665 |ย NV PILB Lic #1411

    Pay Detailsย 
    $17.95 - 43.26
    Pay Rate Typeย 
    Hourly
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