Protective Services Officer Critical Sites

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

Overview

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) is seeking an experienced, operationally focused Protective Services Officer – Critical Sites to support armed, uniformed security operations at a fixed critical-site location in Santa Clara County, California. This role is designed for a seasoned law enforcement professional who maintains a high level of vigilance, professionalism, and engagement while operating within a structured security environment.

The Protective Services Officer serves as a visible deterrent and active member of the site security operation, supporting access control, patrol operations, and incident response in accordance with established post orders and CAI policies.

Position Details

Location: This is an onsite role at a single fixed critical-site location in Santa Clara, CA. No remote work or relocation assistance is available.

Schedule: Day shift, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, one to two days per week. No weekend work.

Employment Type: Part-Time, W-2 Employee

Attire: Uniformed security role.

Role Type: Armed, exposed-carry, uniformed critical-site security.

Authorized Equipment: Sidearm standard. Patrol rifles and shotguns are authorized in accordance with site authorization, training, and policy and issued to officers.

Compensation: $48.00 per hour. Overtime eligibility in accordance with California state and Federal labor laws.

Position Summary: This position functions as an armed, uniformed Protective Services Officer assigned to a critical-site environment. The PSO provides access control, conducts patrols, and responds to incidents in alignment with site-specific post orders and escalation protocols. The Protective Services Officer operates within established client requirements and Cooke & Associates policies and does not function as law enforcement. All actions must align with approved use-of-force guidelines, post orders, and escalation procedures. This role requires sound judgment, situational awareness, and consistent professional engagement throughout each shift.

Duties and 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.

Required - Skills and Experience

• 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.

Preferred

• Tactical experience such as SWAT, SRU, or patrol rifle operations.
• Prior experience in critical-site or high-risk security environments.
• Advanced training in defensive tactics or emergency response.

Technology & Reporting Expectations

• Proficient use of radios, smartphones, and security communication platforms.
• Ability to use a computer for basic business functions, including email and internal systems.
• Ability to accurately complete electronic activity logs, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Comfortable operating within CAI and client reporting and incident management systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to conduct routine foot patrols throughout the site.
• Ability to respond quickly to incidents, including moving short distances at a rapid pace when required.
• Ability to safely carry and deploy authorized equipment consistent with training and policy.

Who This Role Is Not For

This role is not suited for individuals seeking a passive or observational security position. It requires consistent engagement, situational awareness, and professional presence throughout each shift.

This position is also not appropriate for individuals unwilling to adhere strictly to post orders, maintain an active uniformed presence, or operate within a structured critical-site security environment.

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.