Security Specialist Jobs in South Carolina
Security Specialist jobs in South Carolina are concentrated in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, where government agencies, defense contractors, and financial institutions maintain steady demand for physical security, cybersecurity, and information assurance professionals at every level from entry-level officer to senior analyst. Major employers with lasting footprints in the state include Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and SCANA-affiliated utilities now part of Dominion Energy. Clearance-eligible and FISMA-aligned roles are among the most sought-after specialties given the state's federal and military presence. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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ALL ABOUT TARGET
Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.
ALL ABOUT ASSETS PROTECTION
Assets Protection (AP) teams function to keep our guests, team and brand secure and lead through crisis events. They protect profitable sales by mitigating shortage risks, preventing, and resolving theft and fraud to ensure product is available for our guest. They also build relationships inside and outside of Target, including store leaders and public safety officials, inclusive of law enforcement.
At Target, we believe in our team members having meaningful experiences that help them build and develop skills for a career. The role of a Target Security Specialist can provide you with the skills and experience of:
Using intelligence-led tactics to keep team members and guests safe and secure
Crisis response, safety and crowd management; providing support to both guests and team members
De-escalation as well as experience with physical security controls and culture
Using Target's video surveillance system
Timely and accurately documenting cases using case management systems
As a Target Security Specialist, no two days are ever the same, but a typical day will most likely include the following responsibilities:
Create an Easy, Inspiring and Friendly guest experience by delivering on the following commitments:
Greet:
10ft: be friendly – smile, make eye contact, or wave
4ft: greet the guest, smile and initiate a warm, helpful interaction
Help guests find what they need and/or resolve issues to ensure a smooth, easy shopping experience
End every guest transaction with a sincere thank you
Actively support team efforts and assist peers in other areas while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude
Adjust to business and guest needs to deliver an easy and inspiring guest experience
Promote a physical security culture for our team members and guests by assessing and maintaining safe and secure standards throughout the store, including exterior property.
Respond to and accurately document security incidents in a timely manner.
Appropriately respond to guest issues to provide a safe and secure environment for our team members and guests.
Leverage de-escalation tactics and resources when responding to security incidents across the store.
Conduct merchandise theft recoveries and provide theft apprehension support as needed, strictly adhering to AP policies.
Prevent theft and shortage at the front of store by performing merchandise receipt checks while adhering to AP policies, as well as recognizing and communicating trends.
Submit appropriate documentation in the case management system for all incidents following AP policy and procedures.
Understand and appropriately use Target's video surveillance system.
Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety and compliance.
Work in a safe manner at all times; comply with all safety policies, best practices, and training; report hazards and correct where possible.
All other duties based on business needs.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
This may be the right job for you if:
You enjoy interacting and helping others - including guests that shop our store and fellow team members you work with.
You thrive in a fast-moving, highly active and physically demanding role, where teamwork, flexibility, and creative problem solving are key to success.
You are open to working a flexible work schedule with varying hours, days or shifts (including nights, weekends, holidays and other peak shopping times).
The good news is that we have some amazing training that will help teach you everything you need to know to be a Target Security Specialist. But, there are a few skills you should have from the get-go:
Must be at least 18 years of age or older
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet any state or local licensure and/or other legal requirements related to the position
Welcoming and helpful attitude toward all guests and other team members
Ability to communicate on multiple frequency devices and operate handheld scanners, and other technology equipment as directed
Effective communication skills
Work both independently and with a team
Manage workload and prioritize tasks independently
Capability to remain focused and composed in a fast-paced environment and accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes
We are an awesome place to work and care about our teams, so we want to make sure we are clear on a few more basics that we expect:
Climb up and down ladders
Apprehend subjects in accordance with company policy
Scan, handle and move merchandise efficiently and safely, including frequently lifting or moving merchandise up to 40 pounds without additional assistance from others
Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends and holidays); come to work when scheduled, work scheduled shifts and take required meal and rest breaks
Capable of working in and exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and other elements while performing certain job duties including but not limited to Drive-Up, carryout, etc.
Ability to remain mobile for the duration of a scheduled shift (shift length may vary)
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_A | Pegue esta URL en su navegador preferido para obtener información sobre la elegibilidad de este puesto para recibir beneficios: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_AAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.
See All 12 Security Specialist Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Specialist JobsSecurity Specialist Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Specialist Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security specialist jobs across South Carolina.
- Active South Carolina SLED-issued security guard license or equivalent state registration
- Relevant certification such as Security+ CPP or CISSP depending on specialization
- Experience with physical access control surveillance systems or incident response
- Background check eligibility including criminal history review and drug screening
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports and stakeholder briefings
- Proficiency with security information management platforms and standard office software
Security Specialist Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security specialist in South Carolina?
Most security specialist roles in South Carolina require either a state-issued license through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for armed or unarmed private security work, or a recognized professional certification such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Protection Professional for corporate and cybersecurity roles. A background in criminal justice, information technology, or military service is the common foundation. Employers in the Columbia and Charleston markets frequently require at least an associate degree alongside relevant field experience.
How much do security specialists make in South Carolina?
Security specialists in South Carolina earn a median of about $79,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,310 for the lowest 10% to over $142,680 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security specialists in South Carolina?
South Carolina security specialist roles are posted by Target, BMW, and RSI and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. South Carolina's concentration of federal facilities, military installations, and financial services firms means demand is distributed across both private contractors and public-sector agencies throughout the state.
Which South Carolina cities have the most security specialist jobs?
Aiken, Charleston, and Spartanburg account for the largest share of security specialist openings in South Carolina. Columbia leads because it hosts state government offices, Fort Jackson, and multiple federal agency field offices, while Charleston's defense industry and port operations drive demand there, and Greenville's growing manufacturing and corporate headquarters base supports a consistent need for both physical and information security professionals.
Are there remote security specialist jobs in South Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of security specialist openings tied to South Carolina are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on and on-site nature of most physical security roles in the state. The positions most likely to allow remote work are those focused on cybersecurity monitoring, threat analysis, and compliance review rather than on-site access control or protective services.
How can I get hired as a security specialist in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a security officer or security technician with a state-registered private security firm, which gives you hours toward professional credentials while earning income. Large South Carolina employers like the Department of Veterans Affairs in Columbia and major hospital systems such as MUSC in Charleston hire entry-level security associates and offer on-the-job training programs. Obtaining your South Carolina SLED unarmed security license first and pairing it with a CompTIA Security+ study plan makes candidates significantly more competitive for specialist-track roles.
Where can I find and apply to security specialist jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to security specialist jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 Security Specialist Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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