What does an operational security specialist do?
An operational security specialist performs administrative and clerical duties. You will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing a security awareness program to address security issues. Other duties include providing support on security clearance and management, ensuring that test participants and visitors have security clearance integrity, and providing recommendations on critical security policy decisions. In addition, an operational security specialist is responsible for analyzing vulnerabilities and threats to the system and operational environments and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and security procedures.
Operational security specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real operational security specialist resumes:
- 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.
- Experience working directly for commanding officers and making security recommendations to ensure the security of overall DOD operations in the area.
- Provide personal protection for dignitaries and VIP guests while maintaining confidentiality.
Operational security specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Operational Security Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Security Operations, and Patrol. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.
We break down the percentage of Operational Security Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 15%
Deliver outstanding customer service, generating productive trade advice, resolving or escalating issues, and processing time-sensitive transactions.
- Security Operations, 13%
Planned and executed high threat security operations according to established protocols established by the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
- Patrol, 10%
Patrol, check IDs, monitor cameras, secure area and maintain compliance with the client's business.
- Emergency Situations, 6%
Monitored all alarms and security concerns; closely adhered to security policies during emergency Incidents and protocol initiations in emergency situations.
- Emergency Response, 5%
Analyze existing government emergency response capabilities and make suggestions on how to improve operational capabilities.
- Security Procedures, 4%
Perform security protocol briefings informing clients on security procedures, data center facility layouts, and asset capabilities.
"customer service," "security operations," and "patrol" are among the most common skills that operational security specialists use at work. You can find even more operational security specialist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an operational security specialist to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Operational security specialists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "conflict resolution, communications via email & phone calls. "
Observation skills. This is an important skill for operational security specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how operational security specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an operational security specialist: "conduct observation patrols enforce company policies monitor various surveillance cameras respond to alarms and incidents complete incident reports complete daily activity reports".
The three companies that hire the most operational security specialists are:
- Allied Universal14 operational security specialists jobs
- Securitas AB8 operational security specialists jobs
- Crown Castle International6 operational security specialists jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable operational security specialist resume templates
Build a professional operational security specialist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your operational security specialist resume.
Compare different operational security specialists
Operational security specialist vs. Bouncer
An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between operational security specialists and bouncer. For instance, operational security specialist responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "security operations," "patrol," and "emergency situations." Whereas a bouncer is skilled in "front door," "ids," "bartenders," and "safety procedures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, bouncers reach lower levels of education than operational security specialists. Bouncers are 5.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Operational security specialist vs. Officer
A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures. An NCO is in charge of leading unit activities, performing corrective actions as needed, and coordinating closely with the troop members. A non-commissioned officer must display excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills to guide the military troop efficiently.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, operational security specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "security operations," "strong customer service," "emergency response," and "security procedures." Meanwhile, an officer has duties that require skills in areas such as "public safety," "cpr," "law enforcement agencies," and "financial statements." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Officers tend to reach similar levels of education than operational security specialists. In fact, they're 4.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Operational security specialist vs. Non-commissioned officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned navy officer who is responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of junior sailors and making sure that they have a productive day. Petty officers with more experience are expected to provide training in basic skills to their junior petty officers. Once a petty officer is reprimanded, first-class petty officers may conduct discipline by ordering those reprimanded to do extra military instruction or extra work within the division. Petty officers are also required to meet all the requirements for surface warfare qualification.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, operational security specialists are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "security operations," "patrol," and "emergency situations." But a non-commissioned officer is more likely to have skills like "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development."
Most non-commissioned officers achieve a similar degree level compared to operational security specialists. For example, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Operational security specialist vs. Petty officer
Types of operational security specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
