Protective Services Officer

Cooke & Associates; Washington; On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) seeks an experienced Protective Services Officer for Critical Site Response in Washington. This role is deployment-based, with on-call shifts typically 8–12 hours and no remote work.

You will ensure armed security, access control, and coordination with public safety partners at infrastructure assets and government facilities. Requires WS License, firearms certification, and 5+ years in law enforcement/corrections/fire service or 8+ years military.

Qualifications

• WA State Security Officer License, WA Firearms Certificate, and other required permits must be held.
• Minimum 5 years law enforcement/corrections/fire service experience or 8 years military service.
• Ability to deploy on short notice and meet deployment participation expectations.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, extended hours, and variable schedules.

Responsibilities

• Provide armed, uniformed security at critical sites and high-priority locations.
• Maintain access control at entrances, perimeters, and restricted areas.
• Support security operations at government installations, infrastructure assets, and disaster sites.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, fire services, military units, and public safety partners.
• Conduct threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments at assigned locations.
• Protect confidential information per NDAs and operational requirements.
• Act as a point of contact for disseminating security-related information.
• Assist in contingency planning and emergency response coordination.
• Maintain situational awareness and respond to evolving conditions.
• Prepare accurate activity logs and incident reports.
• Represent Cooke & Associates with professionalism and accountability.

Skills

WA security licenses

Law enforcement/military experience

Background checks & drug screening

Driver's license

Ability to deploy on short notice

Nights/weekends flexibility

Team & independent work

Radio/communication proficiency

Professional appearance & readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Overview

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) provides professional protective services in support of public safety agencies and government partners at critical sites requiring controlled access, security, and professional presence. The Protective Services Officer – Critical Site Response supports armed security, access control, and protective operations at facilities and locations such as infrastructure assets, government installations, disaster staging areas, and other high-priority sites where sustained security operations are essential.

Overview

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) provides professional protective services in support of public safety agencies and government partners at critical sites requiring controlled access, security, and professional presence. The Protective Services Officer – Critical Site Response supports armed security, access control, and protective operations at facilities and locations such as infrastructure assets, government installations, disaster staging areas, and other high-priority sites where sustained security operations are essential.

This role is designed for experienced military, law enforcement, corrections, or protective security professionals capable of deploying on short notice and operating effectively in dynamic, high-stress environments while maintaining professionalism, discipline, and adherence to established post orders.

Position Details

Location

This role is deployment-based with deployments primarily throughout Washington state. Optional deployments to California and Idaho may be available based on operational needs. All work is performed onsite at assigned locations. No remote work is available.

Schedule

On-call, as needed. Shifts typically range from 8–12 hours and may include nights, weekends, and extended operations based on site requirements.

Deployment Readiness

Ability to deploy within 24–72 hours of notification. Minimum participation expectation of 3–5 days per deployment.

Role Type

Armed, uniformed protective services (exposed firearm).

Compensation

$40.00 per hour. Overtime eligible and calculated in accordance with Washington state law based on deployment location.

Position Summary

The Protective Services Officer (PSO) provides armed, uniformed security services at critical sites, including infrastructure assets, government installations, transportation hubs, and restricted public zones. The PSO supports perimeter security, access control, and coordination with public safety partners while operating strictly within CAI policies and client post orders.

This position does not confer law enforcement authority. All actions must align with site-specific post orders, approved use-of-force guidelines, and established escalation procedures.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide armed, uniformed security and protective services at critical sites and high-priority locations.
• Maintain access control at entrances, exits, perimeters, and restricted areas.
• Support security operations at government installations, infrastructure assets, disaster staging areas, airports, municipal facilities, and similar locations.
• Coordinate professionally with law enforcement agencies, fire services, military units, and local, state, and federal partners.
• Conduct ongoing threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments at assigned locations.
• Safeguard sensitive and confidential information in accordance with NDAs and operational requirements.
• Serve as designated points of contact for disseminating security-related information when directed.
• Support contingency planning and emergency response coordination.
• Maintain situational awareness and respond appropriately to evolving conditions.
• Prepare and submit accurate activity logs, reports, and required documentation.
• Represent Cooke & Associates, Inc. with professionalism, discipline, and accountability at all times.

Required

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• All State of Washington required security licenses and credentials must be held and maintained throughout employment, including but not limited to a Washington State Security Officer License, Washington State Firearms Certificate, and any other applicable permits or endorsements required by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
• Verifiable professional experience meeting one of the following:
  • Minimum 5 years law enforcement, corrections, or fire service experience; or
  • Minimum 8 years military service experience
• Prior experience operating at critical sites, secured facilities, or in high-stress operational environments.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment and periodic background investigations and drug screening.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to deploy on short notice and meet minimum deployment participation expectations.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, extended hours, and variable schedules.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in remote or austere environments.
• Proficiency with radios, smartphones, and basic communication and reporting platforms.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance, grooming standards, and physical readiness.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or higher education.
• Idaho Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit or equivalent.
• Experience in critical site security, infrastructure protection, or emergency management operations.
• Completion of NIMS / ICs certifications (ICS 100–400, FEMA IS-100.B, IS-200.B, IS-700.A).
• Willingness to accept optional deployments to California, Washington, or other states when operationally required. (Note: Out-of-state deployments may require additional state-specific licensing or credentials.)

TECHNOLOGY & REPORTING EXPECTATIONS

• Use of radios, smartphones, and incident communication systems.
• Timely and accurate completion of electronic activity logs and incident reports.
• Compliance with CAI and client reporting, documentation, and communication standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work long shifts in varying environmental and operational conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to maintain alertness and readiness during extended operations.

Who This Role Is Not For

This role is not suited for individuals seeking passive security assignments. It requires availability for on-call deployment, short-notice response, extended shifts, and consistent professional engagement in dynamic and often austere environments.

Protective Services Officers in this role work in close and continuous contact with public safety professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and government officials, as well as political and community leaders.

The role also involves regular interaction with members of the public, including individuals who may be in distress and, at times, individuals engaged in criminal or disruptive behavior. As such, this position requires strong judgment, emotional control, and the ability to remain professional and composed in high-pressure situations.

This is a high-visibility role protecting critical sites, personnel, and assets throughout Idaho. A strong yet approachable presence is required. Candidates must be capable of delivering a high level of customer service while maintaining authority, professionalism, and adherence to post orders in complex and sensitive environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment with Cooke & Associates, Inc. is at-will, meaning that you or Cooke & Associates, Inc. may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.