Armed Protective Services Officer - Critical Site (Day Shift)

Cooke & Associates; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Part time

Job summary

Cooke & Associates, Inc. seeks an experienced Protective Services Officer – Critical Sites to support armed, uniformed security at a fixed site in Santa Clara County, CA. You will deter threats, perform access control, patrols, and incident response per post orders and CAI policy.

This part-time PSO role requires vigilance, professionalism, and the ability to operate within a structured security operation. Must hold California BSIS Guard Card and Exposed Firearm Permit, and be able to complete

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of prior law enforcement experience.
• Valid and current California BSIS Guard Card and California Exposed Firearm Permit at time of application.
• All licenses and permits must remain valid and current throughout employment.
• HR218 / LEOSA credentials are NOT accepted for this role.
• Not listed on, and not pending placement on, any state or national law enforcement decertification list.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background investigation.
• Ability to successfully complete drug screening.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to exercise sound operational judgment and maintain professionalism in a high-visibility environment.
• Ability to work independently while integrating effectively within a structured security operation.
• Basic proficiency with smartphones, radios, and security communication platforms.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the safety and security of the assigned critical site, including employees, vendors, and visitors.
• Provide armed, uniformed presence to deter, detect, and report security threats.
• Conduct fixed-post and roving patrols of buildings, perimeters, and surrounding areas.
• Monitor and control access points, entrances, exits, and restricted areas.
• Respond to security incidents, medical emergencies, and other site events in accordance with post orders.
• Identify, report, and appropriately delay or detain individuals who violate site rules or security protocols, consistent with training and policy.
• Coordinate with on-site security leadership and external emergency responders when required.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and legally when required for site operations.
• Maintain situational awareness and professional presence throughout assigned shifts.
• Safeguard sensitive and confidential information in accordance with CAI policies and NDAs.
• Submit accurate activity logs, incident reports, and required documentation in a timely manner.
• Represent Cooke & Associates, Inc. professionally at all times.

Skills

Law enforcement experience

Patrol operations

Access control

Incident response

Radio/communication

Driving

Professionalism

Education

California BSIS Guard Card

California Exposed Firearm Permit

Tools

Security radios

Job description

Cooke & Associates, Inc. seeks an experienced Protective Services Officer – Critical Sites to support armed, uniformed security at a fixed site in Santa Clara County, CA. You will deter threats, perform access control, patrols, and incident response per post orders and CAI policy.

This part-time PSO role requires vigilance, professionalism, and the ability to operate within a structured security operation. Must hold California BSIS Guard Card and Exposed Firearm Permit, and be able to complete