Protective Services & Investigative Specialist

Overview Are you passionate about using your law enforcement background to provide executive protection and conduct investigations? Are you searching for meaningful work in enhancing protective security at an innovative, world‑renowned employer? Do you love having a daily impact on providing a safe and secure working environment for staff who make critical contributions to the country’s most challenging problems? Do you like the stability of providing services for one organization while contributing to a team of dedicated professionals with a common goal? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking an experienced Protective Services Professional to provide executive protection and transportation for the Director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, as well as visiting dignitaries. In addition to executive protection, you will conduct comprehensive and independent security‑related investigations and help develop and execute essential training for a hard‑working team of security managers, supervisors, and officers. Responsibilities Provide executive protection and transportation for the Director and visiting dignitaries, including threat analysis, security strategy development, and detailed planning. Contribute to the professionalism of APL by conducting comprehensive and impartial investigations—policy compliance, personnel investigations, threat assessments, and criminal investigations. Collaborate with the training manager to develop entry‑level and in‑service training activities. Assist the Senior Security Manager with projects and special events at APL. Participate in a team that maintains an enhanced armed security presence and response capability at APL properties. Qualifications Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related academic field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Have a minimum of ten years as a certified law‑enforcement officer with separation in good standing. Be eligible to obtain an unrestricted State of Maryland handgun permit and have basic defensive tactics knowledge. Have experience conducting comprehensive criminal, personnel, or administrative investigations. Demonstrate unblemished professional conduct, independence, and leadership ability. Exhibit strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and a history of teamwork. Show expertise in customer service, motivation, staff management, and interaction with all levels of staff and external organizations. Prioritize, organize, plan, problem‑solve, and negotiate effectively. Speak and write English at the level required for job tasks and report preparation. Use computers and related software to prepare reports, search databases, and employ security‑related tools. Hold a valid driver’s license in good standing. Obtain an Interim Secret‑level security clearance by your start date and ultimately a TopSecret clearance (U.S. citizenship required). Pass a pre‑employment physical exam before start date. Adjust working hours to meet the executive protection schedule. Preferred Qualifications Past assignments in executive or dignitary protection and transportation. Experience as a trainer in a law‑enforcement or security environment. Special weapons and tactics experience. Completion of executive protection training. About APL The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to the nation’s most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming culture that encourages authenticity, growth, and strong connections among teammates. Benefits APL offers generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Salary Minimum Rate: $58,700 annually Maximum Rate: $146,300 annually Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr