Surveillance Officer Jobs
Surveillance Officer jobs are open across retail, gaming, corporate security, and healthcare, at every level from entry-level monitor to senior investigations officer, with specializations in loss prevention, CCTV operations, and fraud detection. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Surveillance Officer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Surveillance Officer jobs
Join the Trojan Family: USC Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Title: Surveillance Operations Field Training Officer
About the Department
Team: DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States and employs over 300 full time personnel.
What we do: We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed.
Learn more: Visit our DPS Website to explore our mission in depth.
Job Summary:
Provide comprehensive training, oversight and mentorship to surveillance operations monitors. Design, coordinate and execute orientation programs and trainings with new staff members. Assist with in-service training for existing surveillance staff. Provide trainees with coaching, direction and guidance related to skills, knowledge and judgment required to perform daily operational activities during training period. Perform Surveillance Operations Monitor functions in assigned capacity, supporting the general safety of the university community. Collaborate with others to develop, coordinate, and facilitate surveillance training programs. Provide assessments and feedback regarding trainee performance.
Responsibilities Include:
- Designs, coordinates and conducts training programs for new Surveillance Operations staff members, and updates training needs for current staff. Provides coaching, direction and guidance to trainees. Demonstrates professional standards of conduct. Assists trainees with establishing job-related learning goals. Evaluates trainee performance based on field behavior. Advises and communicates with trainee's supervisors regarding issues, as needed. Reviews trainee readiness at the conclusion of the training period.
- Performs Surveillance Observation Monitor functions as assigned, supporting the general safety of the university community. Assists relevant law enforcement agencies in investigating criminal or suspicious activity, ensuring the appropriate use of security systems throughout investigation. Liaises with other university departments and students as required.
- Implements practical and innovative methods of instruction. Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of in-service training for current staff. Develops and updates training programs, as needed. Maintains professional currency
- Coordinates operational activities. Documents training progress (e.g., tracking training competencies for auditing purposes). Assesses effectiveness of training program. Prepares reports for supervisory staff reviews, as required.
- Observes, evaluates, and documents any training-related issues, performance deficiencies and work performance as specified in training materials. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and safety standards. Ensures senior management and staff are informed in a timely manner of any legal, regulatory, and technology changes/updates which may affect operations.
- Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
Minimum Requirements:
- High School or equivalent, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
- At least 2 years of related work experience.
- At least 1 year as a USC Surveillance Operations Monitor.
- Valid CA Driver’s License required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website.
- Expert-level knowledge of Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV) and alarm monitoring.
- Operator experience in Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV), license plate recognition programs, access control systems, and alarm monitoring programs.
- Working knowledge of relevant computer systems and programs (e.g., Manitou, Genetec Security Desk, OnyxWorks).
- Knowledge of applicable procedures and regulations (e.g., parking, traffic control, security, public safety).
- Proven to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend procedural changes.
- Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to understand and embrace current and future technologies to enhance communications center operations.
- In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.
- A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of, or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours. By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at: https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters/
- By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a Campus Security Authority as required by law and USC’s policy at: https://dps.usc.edu/alerts/clery/
Preferred Requirements:
- Associate’s degree, combined experience/education as substitute for preferred education.
- At least 3 years of related experience.
Hourly Range:
The hourly rate for this position is $23.94. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Benefits
USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:
- Tuition assistance for you and your family
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
- 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
- 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
- Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway
Minimum Requirements: High School or equivalent, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. At least 2 years of related work experience. At least 1 year as a USC Surveillance Operations Monitor. Valid CA Driver’s License required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website. Expert-level knowledge of Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV) and alarm monitoring. Operator experience in Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV), license plate recognition programs, access control systems, and alarm monitoring programs. Working knowledge of relevant computer systems and programs (e.g., Manitou, Genetec Security Desk, OnyxWorks). Knowledge of applicable procedures and regulations (e.g., parking, traffic control, security, public safety). Proven to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend procedural changes. Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to understand and embrace current and future technologies to enhance communications center operations. In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed. A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of, or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours. By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at: https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters/ By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a Campus Security Authority as required by law and USC’s policy at: https://dps.usc.edu/alerts/clery/
Join the Trojan Family: USC Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Title: Surveillance Operations Field Training Officer
About the Department
Team: DPS, one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States and employs over 300 full time personnel.
What we do: We share in the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision of ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected from being a crime victim and where the experiences and needs of all USC students, faculty, staff, and neighbors throughout USC’s spheres of influence are addressed.
Learn more: Visit our DPS Website to explore our mission in depth.
Job Summary:
Provide comprehensive training, oversight and mentorship to surveillance operations monitors. Design, coordinate and execute orientation programs and trainings with new staff members. Assist with in-service training for existing surveillance staff. Provide trainees with coaching, direction and guidance related to skills, knowledge and judgment required to perform daily operational activities during training period. Perform Surveillance Operations Monitor functions in assigned capacity, supporting the general safety of the university community. Collaborate with others to develop, coordinate, and facilitate surveillance training programs. Provide assessments and feedback regarding trainee performance.
Responsibilities Include:
- Designs, coordinates and conducts training programs for new Surveillance Operations staff members, and updates training needs for current staff. Provides coaching, direction and guidance to trainees. Demonstrates professional standards of conduct. Assists trainees with establishing job-related learning goals. Evaluates trainee performance based on field behavior. Advises and communicates with trainee's supervisors regarding issues, as needed. Reviews trainee readiness at the conclusion of the training period.
- Performs Surveillance Observation Monitor functions as assigned, supporting the general safety of the university community. Assists relevant law enforcement agencies in investigating criminal or suspicious activity, ensuring the appropriate use of security systems throughout investigation. Liaises with other university departments and students as required.
- Implements practical and innovative methods of instruction. Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of in-service training for current staff. Develops and updates training programs, as needed. Maintains professional currency
- Coordinates operational activities. Documents training progress (e.g., tracking training competencies for auditing purposes). Assesses effectiveness of training program. Prepares reports for supervisory staff reviews, as required.
- Observes, evaluates, and documents any training-related issues, performance deficiencies and work performance as specified in training materials. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and safety standards. Ensures senior management and staff are informed in a timely manner of any legal, regulatory, and technology changes/updates which may affect operations.
- Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
Minimum Requirements:
- High School or equivalent, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
- At least 2 years of related work experience.
- At least 1 year as a USC Surveillance Operations Monitor.
- Valid CA Driver’s License required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website.
- Expert-level knowledge of Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV) and alarm monitoring.
- Operator experience in Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV), license plate recognition programs, access control systems, and alarm monitoring programs.
- Working knowledge of relevant computer systems and programs (e.g., Manitou, Genetec Security Desk, OnyxWorks).
- Knowledge of applicable procedures and regulations (e.g., parking, traffic control, security, public safety).
- Proven to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend procedural changes.
- Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to understand and embrace current and future technologies to enhance communications center operations.
- In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.
- A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of, or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours. By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at: https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters/
- By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a Campus Security Authority as required by law and USC’s policy at: https://dps.usc.edu/alerts/clery/
Preferred Requirements:
- Associate’s degree, combined experience/education as substitute for preferred education.
- At least 3 years of related experience.
Hourly Range:
The hourly rate for this position is $23.94. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Benefits
USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:
- Tuition assistance for you and your family
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
- 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
- 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
- Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway
Minimum Requirements: High School or equivalent, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. At least 2 years of related work experience. At least 1 year as a USC Surveillance Operations Monitor. Valid CA Driver’s License required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information please visit the policy website. Expert-level knowledge of Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV) and alarm monitoring. Operator experience in Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV), license plate recognition programs, access control systems, and alarm monitoring programs. Working knowledge of relevant computer systems and programs (e.g., Manitou, Genetec Security Desk, OnyxWorks). Knowledge of applicable procedures and regulations (e.g., parking, traffic control, security, public safety). Proven to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to analyze operational issues and recommend procedural changes. Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment in emergency conditions. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to understand and embrace current and future technologies to enhance communications center operations. In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed. A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of, or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours. By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at: https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters/ By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a Campus Security Authority as required by law and USC’s policy at: https://dps.usc.edu/alerts/clery/
Surveillance Officer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 6 Surveillance Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surveillance Officer JobsSurveillance Officer Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in surveillance officer jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with a valid state security guard license
- Experience operating CCTV systems and digital video management software
- Strong written communication skills for accurate incident report documentation
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Knowledge of loss prevention techniques and evidence-handling procedures
- CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain before start date
Tips for Your Surveillance Officer Job Search
Tailor your resume for each setting
Retail surveillance and casino gaming require different skill emphases. Highlight shrink reduction and LP procedures for retail roles, and shift your resume toward gaming regulations and table game monitoring when targeting casino or gaming floor positions.
List every certification you hold
Certifications like CPR, First Aid, and state-issued security guard licenses are frequently required, not just preferred. Include your license number, issuing state, and expiration date so hiring managers can verify eligibility without a follow-up call.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists surveillance officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by industry to surface hidden openings
Surveillance officer postings often live under broader titles like loss prevention associate or security monitor. Search across retail chains, hospital networks, and gaming operators separately, since each industry clusters postings under its own terminology.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers for surveillance roles consistently use situational prompts: what you would do if you observed suspected shoplifting on camera, or how you would document an incident for law enforcement handoff. Practice specific, detail-driven answers before your interview.
Follow up with a documentation sample
After your interview, send a brief follow-up that references a specific topic you discussed and, if the employer allows, attach a redacted incident report you wrote. It demonstrates report-writing ability, which employers in this field consistently rank as a top priority.
Surveillance Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most surveillance officers?
The most active employers for surveillance officers right now are TD, MAREX, and Keck Medicine of USC, and the most openings are in New York, California, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Retail chains, healthcare systems, and gaming operators consistently account for the largest share of open roles.
How do you become a surveillance officer?
Start by earning your high school diploma or GED, then obtain your state-required security guard license, which typically involves a background check and a short pre-assignment training course. Build familiarity with CCTV platforms and digital recording systems, either through an entry-level security post or a loss prevention associate role. Strong written communication and attention to behavioral detail are skills employers test from day one.
Can you get hired as a surveillance officer with little experience?
Yes, many employers hire candidates with no prior surveillance experience if you hold a valid state guard license and can demonstrate composure under pressure. Retail and corporate security departments often run internal training programs for new hires. Volunteering for overnight or weekend shifts early on helps you build a record of reliability that moves you toward higher-responsibility monitoring roles faster.
What does the surveillance officer interview process look like?
Most employers run a phone screen followed by one or two in-person rounds. The first in-person interview typically covers your familiarity with camera systems and shift availability. A second round, common at casinos and larger retail chains, includes scenario walkthroughs where you describe how you would handle specific incidents on camera and explain your documentation process for escalating to law enforcement.
Where can I find and apply to surveillance officer jobs?
You can find and apply to surveillance officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. The listings cover roles in retail, healthcare, gaming, and corporate security at every experience level. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 6 Surveillance Officer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Surveillance Officer Jobs