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Surveillance Observer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palace Casino Resort

Surveillance Operator

Pala, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Pala, CA Monitor casino and associated areas via CCTV and direct observation to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policy and procedures. * Previous Surveillance or gaming experience and /or ...

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All JobsSurveillance Observer JobsSurveillance Observer Jobs in California

Surveillance Observer information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$20

How much do surveillance observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surveillance observer in California is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surveillance observer?

Surveillance Observers are security professionals who monitor activities within casinos or other establishments using surveillance equipment, such as cameras and audio systems. Their primary role is to detect and report suspicious behavior, theft, cheating, or violations of laws and company policies. They work closely with security teams and management to ensure safety and compliance, often providing evidence for investigations. Surveillance Observers must maintain detailed records and have a strong attention to detail. This position requires discretion, integrity, and familiarity with surveillance technology.

How does a surveillance observer typically interact with other departments within a casino or gaming facility?

Surveillance Observers frequently collaborate with security teams, gaming floor staff, and management to ensure the safety and integrity of the facility. They are responsible for monitoring live feeds and promptly reporting suspicious or prohibited activities, often coordinating with security personnel for immediate action. Clear communication and detailed documentation are essential, as Observers may be called upon to provide evidence or testimony in investigations. This teamwork helps maintain compliance with gaming regulations and enhances overall operational security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surveillance observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surveillance Observer, you need keen observational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring prior experience in security or surveillance. Familiarity with CCTV systems, recording software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Integrity, discretion, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately monitoring activities, preventing losses, and maintaining safety in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Surveillance Observer vs Security Guard?

AspectSurveillance ObserverSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, surveillance training, certifications in security or monitoringHigh school diploma, security training, sometimes licensing or certification
Work EnvironmentMonitoring security cameras, analyzing footage, working in control roomsPatrolling premises, monitoring physical security, responding to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity companies, casinos, retail stores, government facilitiesCommercial buildings, retail, events, industrial sites
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding surveillance roles, monitoring responsibilitiesPhysical security duties, patrolling, incident response

While both Surveillance Observers and Security Guards focus on security, Surveillance Observers primarily monitor security footage and analyze video feeds, often working in control rooms. Security Guards are physically present on-site, patrolling and responding to incidents. The roles overlap in security credentials and industry usage, but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Surveillance Observer jobs in California?

For Surveillance Observer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surveillance Observer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surveillance Observer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Surveillance Observer jobs in CA?

For Surveillance Observer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surveillance Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surveillance Observer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,240 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Surveillance Observer

Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center

Campo, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Responsible for maintaining close, continuous surveillance of all gaming areas and the entire property, in order to protect life, assets and the property.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.
  • Monitors all areas of the property at all times, identifying potential security and/or safety risks and reporting same to the appropriate individual or entity, for proper resolution.
  • Utilizes necessary equipment, to identify, record, document and report illegal, suspicious or unusual activities occurring on property.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of all rules and regulations of the Gaming Commission, and ensures strict adherence to same throughout the property.
  • Protects company assets and gaming integrity, through the consistent, thorough monitoring of all activities on property, particularly on the gaming floor.
  • Supports other Employees, Supervisors and Executives within the company, with regard to protection of assets in their respective departments.
  • Maintains or augments skills through review and self-study.
  • Coordinates, with the Security Department, when Surveillance discovers a matter, which needs further investigation or attention.
  • Facilitates the flow of information, by attending regularly scheduled departmental meetings.
  • Maintains a consistent and regular attendance record.
  • Held accountable for the accuracy and thoroughness of departmental records and reports.
  • Make suggestions and recommendations, as appropriate, with regard to possible changes in the policies and procedures of other departments, with the protection of company assets in mind.
  • Knowledge of local jurisdiction gaming laws (federal, state, etc.) and attendant regulations as well as the Company's internal controls, policies, and procedure.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or GED required.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of 1 year experience as surveillance personnel or combination of education and experience.
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, closed circuit television equipment preferred.
  • Must possess excellent observational and communication skills. Must be able to detect any schemes or cheating activity aimed at the company or its' customers.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written or diagram form.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply commonsense reasoning to a variety of problems involving several concrete and abstract variables.
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 talk or hear. The Employee is also regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The Employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an Employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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