Protective Services Officer - Critical Sites | Santa Clara

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, 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, Monday through Friday. Up to 30 hours 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:

$40.00 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.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

• 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…