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Security Command Center Operator Jobs in California

Security Surveillance Operator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

... Operator. A critical position within our 24/7 operation center. This role requires a high level of ... Prior experience working in a Security Operations Center (SOC), Command Center, or remote ...

Security POST Commander

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

CPS provides dependable, progressive and efficient security and remote management solutions supported by a state of the art Command Center, Video Management Systems, and high tech staff. The Post ...

Security POST Commander

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

CPS provides dependable, progressive and efficient security and remote management solutions supported by a state of the art Command Center, Video Management Systems, and high tech staff. The Post ...

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Security Command Center Operator information

See California salary details

$7

$19

$28

How much do security command center operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for security command center operator in California is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Command Center Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Security Command Center Operator, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, incident response, and surveillance procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with video management systems (VMS), alarm monitoring software, and communication tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, composure under pressure, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial to quickly identifying threats, coordinating emergency responses, and maintaining a secure environment.

How does a Security Command Center Operator typically interact with other security team members and departments during an incident?

As a Security Command Center Operator, you'll play a key role in coordinating responses during security incidents. You will be responsible for monitoring surveillance systems, assessing real-time information, and promptly communicating with on-site security personnel and emergency responders. Collaboration is crucial—you'll relay critical updates, follow established protocols, and often support investigations by providing documentation and footage. Clear communication and teamwork with both security staff and other departments, such as facilities or IT, help ensure swift and effective resolution of incidents.

What are Security Command Center Operators?

Security Command Center Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing security systems within an organization's central command center. They observe surveillance cameras, respond to alarms, coordinate with security personnel, and handle emergency situations as they arise. Their role is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of people, property, and information by ensuring timely and effective responses to incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Security Command Center Operator jobs in California? For Security Command Center Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Command Center Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Command Center Operator jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Security Command Center Operator job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,704 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Command Center Watchstander

$93.36K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 273 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-0301-11, Command Center Watchstander located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, D11 COMMAND CENTER -DRMC in ALAMEDA, California.Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Overseeing and monitoring the unit's response to Search and Rescue (SAR) cases in order to minimize loss of life and property at sea.
  • Developing search action plans while investigating and coordinating ongoing activities and operations within the Area of Responsibility (AOR).
  • Providing command and control over assets in maritime law enforcement operations within the Sector AOR.
  • Overseeing responses to reported marine casualties, ensuring proper notification, response, and documentation procedures are executed within CC responsibilities.
  • Analyzing and disseminating a variety of nautical data such as current, tides, weather, and interacting with federal, state, and local government agencies while coordinating response to SAR, Law Enforcement, Ports Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS), and Marine Environmental Response (MER).

OR at least one of the following if using education to qualify at this grade level:
(A) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR
(B) 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR
(C) A combination of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in or related to the work of this position AND graduate level education that provides the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position and experience. Experience and education combination are computed by first determining the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the total of qualifying education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at that grade level.


NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education can be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.Employment Type: OTHER

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003