1

Protective Services Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Armed Federal Protective Services Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$32 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Whitehawk Worldwide is hiring Armed Federal Protective Services Officers (Suitability Eligible - Armed). A Department of Educational contract located in Washington DC Armed Federal Protective ...

Be Seen First

... a Protective Security Officer. We have fulltime and part-time schedules. This role is ideal for professionals with a background in armed security, military service or law enforcement who are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Protective Services information

See Washington salary details

$10

$25

$59

How much do protective services jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective services in Washington is $25.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protective services?

Protective Services refers to a broad category of professions dedicated to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals, property, and communities. This field includes jobs such as police officers, firefighters, security guards, correctional officers, and emergency responders. Professionals in protective services respond to emergencies, prevent crime, enforce laws, and provide assistance during disasters or dangerous situations. Their work often involves risk and requires specialized training to handle various threats and crises effectively.

How does a protective services professional typically collaborate with other emergency response teams during an incident?

Protective Services professionals, such as security officers or public safety personnel, often work closely with police, fire departments, and medical responders during emergencies. Collaboration may involve sharing situational updates, coordinating evacuation procedures, or providing access to secure areas. Clear communication and adherence to established protocols are essential for effective teamwork and ensuring the safety of all involved. This collaborative environment helps develop strong inter-agency relationships and provides valuable experience in crisis management.

What is the difference between Protective Services vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective ServicesSecurity Guard
CredentialsVaries; may include security licenses, certifications, or specialized trainingTypically requires security guard license or certification
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, corporate security, event security, personal protectionPrivate properties, retail stores, offices, events
Employer & IndustryGovernment, private security firms, corporationsPrivate companies, retail, hospitality
Common Search/ComparisonProtective Services vs Security Guard

Protective Services encompass a broader range of security roles, including personal protection, law enforcement support, and specialized security tasks, often requiring additional training or certifications. Security Guards primarily focus on monitoring and protecting property, with roles typically centered around guarding premises. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Protective Services tend to involve more specialized or high-level responsibilities compared to Security Guards.

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

To excel in Protective Services, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, emergency response procedures, and often a background in criminal justice or law enforcement. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and relevant certifications such as CPR, first aid, or security licenses is typically required. Strong situational awareness, integrity, and effective communication skills are crucial for building trust and handling high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety of people and property while maintaining order and professionalism.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protective Services jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Protective Services jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Protective Services jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Protective Services job openings:

Infographic showing various Protective Services job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,363 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Sr Specialist, Protective Services

American Chemical Society

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage all contract security personnel, supervisors, and vendors.
  • Oversee access control, badging, visitor management, CCTV, alarms, and related technologies.
  • Coordinate emergency response operations and serve as incident commander until relieved.
  • Support executive protection activities, board meetings, and high-profile events.
  • Conduct investigations and coordinate with HR, Legal, and law enforcement.
  • Maintain post orders, SOPs, and emergency action procedures.
  • Manage protective services budgets, invoices, and vendor performance metrics.
  • Support business continuity, crisis management, and resilience exercises.
  • Develop training programs and ensure annual compliance requirements are met.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to critical incidents outside normal business hours.
Authority
The Manager, Protective Services is authorized to direct security operations, implement emergency protective actions, coordinate with first responders, and make immediate operational decisions necessary to protect life, property, and business operations in accordance with ACS policies.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Five or more years of experience in corporate security, law enforcement or emergency management.
  • Minimum three years of leadership experience.
  • Experience managing contract guard forces and security vendors.
  • Experience with access control, visitor management, and security technologies.
  • Strong understanding of incident command and emergency management principles.
Preferred Certifications
  • CPP (Certified Protection Professional)
  • PSP (Physical Security Professional)

This role is based in our Washington, DC office. A reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $90,000 - $110,000 per year.
ACS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account or health care savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and 4-week work from anywhere; each benefit is subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply based on skills, experience, and location.
Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.