Executive Protection Field Specialist - Prior Law Enforcement Preferred

GDBA is seeking qualified individuals who are willing to consider relocation within a commutable distance of Palo Alto, CA. Relocation assistance will be offered on a case-by-case basis.

Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA) protects the world’s most influential and at-risk public figures.  Founded in 1978 by 3-time Presidential appointee, Gavin de Becker, our firm’s Protectors, Analysts, and Investigators are committed to our mission of protecting human life through the assessment, prediction, and management of violence.  

GDBA’s Mission: The Safety, Privacy, and Wellbeing of our Clients 

A newly hired Protector in Palo Alto, CA will earn no less than $150k in their first year with GDBA. 

Your Role as a Protector: 

• Threat and risk assessment: Continuously evaluating potential threats and vulnerabilities to develop mitigation strategies.


• Advance planning: Conducting reconnaissance of locations, planning secure travel routes, and preparing emergency plans before the client arrives.


• Close protection: Providing a physical security presence and immediate defense for the client during travel and events.


• Crisis management: Making rapid, decisive actions during emergencies, including medical incidents, security breaches, or hostile situations.


• Secure transportation: Arranging and providing secure transport, which includes defensive and evasive driving


• Liaison: Coordinating with law enforcement, local authorities, and venue staff to ensure a seamless and secure operation.


• Surveillance: Performing surveillance detection and counter-surveillance to identify and deter threats.


• Residential protection: Monitor the property through command center technology, screening visitors and vendors, and controlling all access points to the protected site.

Who You Are: 

GDBA’s ideal candidate for a this position possesses one or more of the following:

• 10+ years working in a full-time certified law enforcement officer position(s). Federal, State, and Local level officers are all encouraged to apply. 


• HR-218 (LEOSA) or CA CCW eligibility is ideal.


• 10+ years of experience conducting close protection/executive protection operations for high-net-worth clients/at-risk clients. Experience working in one of or a combination of the following environments is preferred: Residential, Corporate, Technology, or Military/Law Enforcement Protective Services Details (PSD).


• 10+ years of Special Operations (SOF) military experience – All Branches Welcome to Apply. Unique experiences such as CIA Global Response Staff (GRS) are also highly desirable. 

Hiring Process Requirements:

• 12-Day Introductory Training Academy in San Antonio, TX


• Be able to pass physical readiness test (Pull-ups, Push-ups, Sit-ups, 800m run)


• Must be able to swim


• Must be drug and nicotine free


• Background check required


• Must be able to obtain appropriate state firearm and security licensing