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What is an operational security specialist and how to become one
Maintaining security at work is important, especially if a company handles sensitive information. That's where the role of an operational security specialist comes in. The operational security specialist could work for a private contractor or a government agency. They make sure that all people and projects are safe and sound.
Potential threats can come in many forms, so the operational security specialist has to be alert and well-versed in many kinds of security procedures. They can help develop a security awareness program, work on security clearances, and use security technology such as CCTV systems. In a crisis, the operational security specialist implements safety procedures and maintains clear communication with other teams.
Someone who wants to become an operational security specialist should know a lot about security procedures and be able to keep a cool head under pressure. It helps if they also have some background in providing security, whether it's working as a bouncer or in the police or military.
Avg. Salary $42,159
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.59%
Asian 5.93%
Black or African American 13.26%
Hispanic or Latino 17.95%
Unknown 5.31%
White 55.96%
Genderfemale 29.32%
male 70.68%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Operational security specialist career paths
Key steps to become an operational security specialist
Explore operational security specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific operational security specialist skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 15.35% Security Operations 12.69% Patrol 9.56% Emergency Situations 6.34% Emergency Response 4.72% Complete relevant operational security specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New operational security specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an operational security specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real operational security specialist resumes.Research operational security specialist duties and responsibilities
- Perform administrative duties including managing PowerPoint slides used for training.
- Perform CCTV audits and review camera recordings for investigations.
- Monitor entire facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatch duties.
- Maintain weapons proficiency and qualification as a function of normal security patrol and protection duties.
Prepare your operational security specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operational security specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an operational security specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable operational security specialist resume templates
Build a professional operational security specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your operational security specialist resume.
Apply for operational security specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an operational security specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first operational security specialist job
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Average operational security specialist salary
The average operational security specialist salary in the United States is $42,159 per year or $20 per hour. Operational security specialist salaries range between $27,000 and $65,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do operational security specialists rate their job?
Operational security specialist reviews
The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes
Yes because is a job that deal with helping people that your help and there's a wonderful happiness while working properly and helping people at the sometime.
I enjoy observing people and places. I like helping people and solve their problems.
I don't like jumping shifts day to night and so forth. it tends to mess up the internal clock.
Updated January 8, 2025
