Occupations · Protective Service

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 33-9099.02

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.
Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.
Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
Conduct store audits to identify problem areas or procedural deficiencies.
Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures for loss prevention, physical security, or risk management.
Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.
Prepare written reports on investigations.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Critical Thinking3.8

Speaking3.5

Active Listening3.5

Monitoring3.5

Active Learning3.2

Reading Comprehension3.2

Writing3.1

Learning Strategies2.9

Mathematics2.6

Science1.2

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Microsoft Access●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Outlook●Microsoft PowerPoint●Microsoft Windows●Microsoft Word●Structured query language SQL●Aspect Loss Prevention Aspect EliteLPCase management system softwareDatabase softwareEnterprise application integration EAI softwareEpicor Loss PreventionMcAfeeNortonLifeLock cybersecurity software

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

2 / 5Some preparation — a school diploma and a few months of on-the-job training.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People+1.7 above average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets−1.4 below average

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable−1.2 below average

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures−1.0 below average

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled−0.9 below average

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment−0.9 below average

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General+0.9 above average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2014-07

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)69%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)11%

Bachelor's Degree10%

Less than a High School Diploma5%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2014-07

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Conventional5.7

Enterprising4.8

Realistic3.9

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

Tasks O*NET flags as emerging

Use drone technology for surveillance and loss prevention.

O*NET 30.3 emerging tasks

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Social Perceptiveness3.4

Judgment and Decision Making3.4

Coordination3.1

Time Management3.0

Systems Analysis3.0

Complex Problem Solving3.0

Systems Evaluation2.9

Management of Personnel Resources2.9

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingAdministration and Management

Abilities it leans on

Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionInductive Reasoning

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

Store DetectiveSecurity SpecialistSecurity AmbassadorLoss Prevention AgentProtection SpecialistPrevention SpecialistLoss Prevention GuardAsset Protection AgentLoss Prevention OfficerAsset Protection GreeterAsset Protection ManagerAsset Protection OfficerLoss Prevention DetectiveAsset Protection Detective

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning.

Now listed 8

+Enterprise application integration EAI software+Epicor Loss Prevention+Microsoft Windows+Microsoft Access+McAfee+NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software+Structured query language SQL+Microsoft Office software

No longer listed 1

−Epicor Retail Loss Prevention software

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

Store DetectiveSecurity AssociateSecurity AmbassadorSecurity SpecialistPrevention SpecialistLoss Prevention GuardAsset Protection LeadLoss Prevention AgentProtection SpecialistAsset Protection AgentLoss Prevention LeaderLoss Prevention Manager

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

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