1

Worldwide Protective Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

This position supports Department of State Worldwide Protective Services III (WPS III) Task Orders in austere environments. Duties and Responsibilities: * Perform daytoday personal protective ...

Be Seen First

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

Worldwide Protective Service information

See salary details

$38

$48

$56

How much do worldwide protective service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for worldwide protective service in the United States is $48.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $52.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Worldwide Protective Service roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in Worldwide Protective Service frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse cultural environments, managing high-stress situations, and maintaining vigilance during long shifts. Effective management of these challenges involves ongoing training in cultural sensitivity, communication, and situational awareness. Building strong teamwork and regularly debriefing after assignments help address stress and improve operational efficiency, while support from leadership ensures access to resources and guidance needed for personal and professional development.

What are Worldwide Protective Services?

Worldwide Protective Services refer to specialized security operations that provide protection for individuals, assets, and facilities across international locations. These services often involve risk assessment, threat management, secure transportation, and emergency response planning for clients such as diplomats, corporate executives, and government officials. Professionals in this field are trained to handle complex security challenges in diverse and sometimes high-risk environments. They may work for private security firms, government agencies, or multinational organizations. Worldwide Protective Services are essential for ensuring safety and continuity in global operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Worldwide Protective Services, and why are they important?

To excel in Worldwide Protective Services, you generally need strong situational awareness, physical fitness, and security training, often supported by a background in law enforcement, military, or security certifications. Familiarity with surveillance technology, access control systems, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Excellent judgment, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and strong communication skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These abilities are critical to ensuring the safety of clients, effective incident response, and maintaining high standards of security in diverse and high-risk environments.

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

AspectWorldwide Protective ServiceSecurity Guard
CertificationsSecurity licenses, specialized protective trainingBasic security licenses, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentHigh-profile events, executive protection, private clientsRetail stores, commercial buildings, public spaces
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, corporate clientsSecurity companies, retail chains, government contracts

Worldwide Protective Service typically involves specialized security roles such as executive protection and high-profile event security, requiring advanced certifications. Security Guards generally perform routine security tasks in public or commercial settings with basic licensing. While both roles focus on safety, Worldwide Protective Service offers more specialized and high-stakes assignments compared to standard Security Guard duties.

Infographic showing various Worldwide Protective Service job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,999 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Security Program Officer (SPO II) with Security Clearance

Security Program Officer (SPO II) with Security Clearance

Akima

Rosslyn, VA

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Akima rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

247th of 352 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 briefi

What Akima employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Akima logo

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

Social media