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Surveillance Detection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Program Officer (SPO II)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs. * The SPO works under the technical ...

Security Program Officer (SPO II)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs. * The SPO works under the technical ...

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Surveillance Detection information

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How much do surveillance detection jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surveillance detection in the United States is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surveillance Detection professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surveillance Detection professional, you need strong observational skills, situational awareness, and a background in security or law enforcement, often supported by specialized training or certifications. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, reporting systems, and risk assessment tools is crucial for effectively identifying and documenting suspicious activities. Keen attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in reporting findings and collaborating with law enforcement or corporate security teams. These skills are vital to proactively identifying threats and ensuring the safety and security of personnel, assets, and information.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Surveillance Detection roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Surveillance Detection often face challenges such as maintaining constant vigilance over extended periods, accurately identifying suspicious behavior without making false assumptions, and adapting quickly to changing environments. These challenges can be managed by developing keen observational skills, staying updated on the latest surveillance techniques, and participating in regular training exercises. Collaboration with security teams and clear communication channels also play a crucial role in ensuring consistent and effective threat detection.

What is surveillance detection?

Surveillance detection refers to the process of observing and identifying individuals or groups who may be conducting covert surveillance, often as a means to prevent criminal, terrorist, or other hostile activities. Professionals in surveillance detection monitor for suspicious behavior near sensitive locations, gathering information and reporting potential threats. This role is common in government, corporate security, and law enforcement settings, helping to protect assets and personnel by identifying risks before they develop into incidents.

What is the difference between Surveillance Detection vs Security Guard?

AspectSurveillance DetectionSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications, surveillance trainingSecurity officer license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-security areas, surveillance operationsBuildings, events, patrols
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agenciesCommercial, residential, event security

Surveillance Detection focuses on identifying and preventing covert surveillance threats, often requiring specialized training. Security Guards provide general security services, including patrols and access control. While both roles operate in security environments, Surveillance Detection emphasizes threat identification, whereas Security Guards focus on maintaining safety and order.

More about Surveillance Detection jobs
Infographic showing various Surveillance Detection job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,820 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Security Program Officer (SPO II)

Security Program Officer (SPO II)

Akima

Arlington, VA • On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Akima rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

206th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Akima Data Management (ADM) is looking for a Systems Security Program Office II to work in Rosslyn, VA office. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
Responsibilities

  • The SPO is responsible for providing managerial support of the DS/IP/OPO's programs. The SPOIII's may be assigned to support any of the following programs: Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
  • The SPO works under the technical guidance and direction of government officials and other Security Program Officer IIs as necessary, in DS/IP/OPO.
  • The SPO will provide subject matter expertise and program management support to government officials responsible for the Worldwide Protective Services (WPS) and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
  • The SPO will serve as a Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and/or Surveillance Detection program manager for an assigned worldwide or specific geographic area. The SPO II may also be required to assist the Regional Security Officer at a contract or task order location in providing temporary support during the absence of the assigned OPO Government Technical Monitor.
  • The SPO assists in developing program policies and standards; providing management guidance and oversight for assigned security programs; reviewing exceptions to standards; and conducting program and operational reviews of programs at posts. Carries out these security- related matters in accordance with applicable laws and Executive Branch, Department of State, and other pertinent policies. Responsible for assisting posts with the tracking of their budgetary and local guard contractual requirements as well as assist with contract oversight and assurance of contract compliance for OPO's programs.
  • The SPO interprets existing policies, standards, and procedures governing the WPS contract, associated WPS task orders and support contracts, Bodyguard, Local Guard, and Surveillance Detection programs and recommends appropriate implementation. Reviews and recommends approval/disapproval of exceptions to standards. Continually assesses the effectiveness of standards, policies, and procedures; and recommends revisions or updates to standards, policies, and procedures when necessary.
  • The SPO provides program guidance, training, and policy direction to overseas posts to assist them in the management of their security-related programs and in adherence to standards and policies. Reviews and analyzes post budget requests for WPS, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs to identify posts exceeding standards and uses professional judgment and risk management methodologies and processes to maximize effectiveness of available resources.
  • The SPO makes funding recommendations for each post based upon standards, threat levels, funding availability, etc. Recommends priorities and funding levels for the WPS and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
  • Tracks funding allotments, program costs, and program administration for each post to ensure adherence to program objectives, and financial management policy and guidelines. Reviews WPS and associated support contracts, and local guard contract proposals to ensure that contracts are consistent with standards and with program and financial guidelines. Provides guidance and assistance to posts in developing contracts.
  • The SPO plans for and conducts post program reviews of WPS and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs. Identifies and reports on problem areas and provides assistance to posts to correct problem areas and to bring them into compliance with applicable security standards.
  • The SPO reviews budget requests for WPS, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection programs. Periodically reviews expenditures and budget administration to ensure adherence to program objectives and financial management policy and guidelines. Reviews WPS and associated support contract invoice submissions for accuracy and makes recommendations regarding approval for payment.
  • The SPO plans and provides independent or group briefings for outgoing DS personnel assigned to embassy/consulate/DOS facility within SPO area of responsibility. The SPO II prepares and may provide overview on WPS and associated support contracts, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection programs within SPO II area of responsibility
  • The SPO establishes and maintains liaison and serves as the focal point for coordination and communication with appropriate Department offices, overseas posts, and interested foreign affairs and intelligence agencies regarding facility standards and policies and their implementation. Provides authoritative guidance and advice to Regional Security Officers, Ambassadors, Mission Officers, Department management, and tenant agencies on assigned program activities.
  • The SPO may also be assigned to provide guidance, support, and oversight to Surveillance Detection programs within a geographical region and to ensure these programs meet specific objectives. The SPO II will work with Regional Security Officers (RSOs), Assistant Regional Security Officers (ARSOs), and local nationals assigned to the SD program at post.
  • The SPO, when assigned Surveillance Detection program responsibilities, will work with each post to provide management suggestions, operational guidance, constructive assistance with plans and procedures, and advice focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the SD program.
  • When not actually engaged in program reviews and assistance, incumbent will monitor the performance of SD programs by conducting a daily quality control review of SD reporting cables.
  • The SPO, when assigned Surveillance Detection program responsibilities, will contact the RSO/ARSO responsible for managing the SD program at post and/or the SD Coordinator and reference any follow-up needed in terms of operational issues or report quality. Reviews all requests from the field for SD resources.
  • The SPO reviews and responds to incoming cables, correspondence, and inquiries from Regional Security Officers, Ambassadors, etc., regarding Personal Protective Services, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and the Surveillance Detection programs. Interprets security standards and policies and provides guidance on their implementation at post.
  • The SPO shall be involved in the process of validating commercial Contractors for duty under the Worldwide Protective Services contract (or other protective services contracts) and other Worldwide Protective Services Division tasks as directed. Coordinates with other DS elements and commercial vendors concerning security clearances; analyzes resumes and biographical data to ensure candidates successfully meet the contractual requirements of the high threat and non- traditional local guard security programs.
  • May require International Travel as needed.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of experience, one (1) year of which must be specialized in administration, management, and supervision of security-related programs, remaining two (2) years of experience may be generalized in security related programs.
OR
  • An associate's degree with four (4) years of experience; one (1) year of which must be specialized in DS/IP/OPO programs with remaining two (2) years of general security related experience.
  • Strong knowledge of federal security laws, regulations, intelligence community directives, guidelines, and/or Department of State security regulations, standards, and policies and their application.
  • Strong knowledge of federal security laws, regulations, intelligence community directives, guidelines, and/or Department of State security regulations, standards, and policies and their application.
  • The SPO II shall be capable of working effectively with others including those of diverse cultures. Travel up to 50 percent foreign/domestic is required. The SPO II shall not have any impediments to foreign/domestic travel that may be to regions that are dangerous or unhealthy.
  • An Active Secret Clearance.
Desired Qualifications:
  • The ability to provide sound guidance to overseas posts, Ambassadors, and interested foreign affairs and intelligence agencies.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of overseas post functions, operations, and political and physical environments to determine personal protective services, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection needs.
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art security technologies, systems, devices, and measures to test and introduce cost saving measures.
  • Knowledge of security evaluation techniques and practices to plan and manage periodic assessments and reviews of various security operations.
  • Experience in conducting in-depth security analyses, formulating solutions, proposing viable alternatives, and harmonizing technical and operational solutions to security problem areas.
  • Experience in assessing and interpreting the intent of security requirements.
  • Proven ability to be innovative and use mature judgment in minimizing security vulnerabilities in a resource constrained environment.
  • Experience in providing leadership guidance, program management, and oversight for security programs (preferably in an international environment).
  • Experience in managing, approving, and reviewing/tracking annual budgets of multiple security programs.
  • Experience in reviewing invoices.
  • Experience in preparing Statements of Work and reviewing contract proposals.
  • Experience in assessing adherence/compliance of security programs and supporting contractual instruments to federal Government regulations, policies, and guidelines; and
  • Experience in preparing and presenting briefing to senior executives, department heads or principle Governmental officials.

Job ID
2026-22973
Work Type
On-Site
Pay Range
$72,000 - $92,000.00
Benefits
Regular - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees.
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Data Management (ADM), an Akima company, is not just another federal IT contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At ADM, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, ADM provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, ADM delivers agile and innovative cloud and IT services and solutions that enable mission dominance.
As an ADM employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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