OVERVIEW

Cooke & Associates, Inc. (CAI) provides professional protective services in support of public safety agencies and government partners during critical incidents and disaster response operations. The Protective Services Officer – Critical Incident Response supports armed security, access control, and protective operations during emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and other large-scale incidents requiring controlled access and professional presence.

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:                     

Statewide based on incident. This role is deployment-based with statewide deployments throughout California. Optional nationwide deployments may be available based on incident needs. All work is performed onsite at assigned incident or disaster locations. No remote work is available.

Schedule:                    

Seasonal, on-call. Shifts typically range from 8–12 hours and may include nights, weekends, and extended operations based on incident 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 state law based on deployment location.

Per Diem / Incident Support:     

Lodging per diem provided when applicable. Meals are not guaranteed but often supplied.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Protective Services Officer (PSO) provides armed, uniformed security services at critical incident sites, including disaster response areas, incident command posts, 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 incident and disaster response sites.
• Maintain access control at entrances, exits, perimeters, and restricted areas.
• Support security operations at incident command posts, 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.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

• Valid California BSIS Guard Card and BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit, required at time of application and maintained throughout employment. Applications without both credentials will not be considered.
• 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; or
• Minimum 10 years executive or protective security experience.
• Prior experience operating in critical incidents, disaster response, civil unrest, secured sites, or 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.
• California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit.
• Basic POST certification.
• Experience in emergency management or disaster response operations.
• Completion of NIMS / ICS certifications (ICS 100–400, FEMA IS-100.B, IS-200.B, IS-700.A).
• Willingness to accept optional nationwide deployments when operationally required.

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 affected by disasters 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 incidents, personnel, and assets. 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.