Merlin jobs

Site Protection Officer

Location: Wokingham and Reading area, Berkshire.

Pay Rate: £17.00 per hour.

Shifts: 12-hour rotating 4 on / 4 off shift pattern, consisting of 2 days & 2 nights, then 4 days off.

About Our Client

We are the National Energy System Operator (NESO) — an independent, impartial, and expert organisation at the centre of Great Britain's energy system. We are driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared purpose: to ensure everyone has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

At NESO, we value inclusivity, diversity, and belonging. We build strong relationships, empower one another, and ensure every voice matters. Together, we are shaping the future of energy and supporting communities across the nation.

About the Role

As a Site Protection Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) environment, helping to safeguard nationally significant operations, people, and assets.

This is a position of real responsibility where your actions directly contribute to the safety, security, and resilience of the site. Working as part of a professional and supportive team, you will deliver a high standard of security service in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Your role will focus on anticipating, identifying, and preventing security risks, while being ready to respond effectively when incidents occur.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct internal and external patrols across high-security and restricted areas
• Monitor CCTV, access control, and alarm systems to identify and respond to risks
• Manage access for staff, visitors, and contractors in line with site procedures
• Carry out physical searches in accordance with security policies
• Respond to incidents including alarms, intrusions, and emergencies, escalating where required
• Maintain accurate records of all activities and incidents using systems such as MERLIN
• Provide a professional and welcoming presence as the first point of contact for visitors

Why This Role Matters:

• You will help protect infrastructure that supports the UK's energy system
• Your role directly contributes to national resilience and public safety
• You will work in a high-security environment with genuine responsibility and purpose

What We're Looking For

We are seeking professional, reliable, and motivated Security professionals who can demonstrate the following:

Essential Requirements:

• A proven background in the security industry (corporate, critical infrastructure, or similar)
• Valid SIA Door Supervisor licence
• First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain)
• Full UK manual driving licence
• British citizen with a UK Passport or hold dual Nationality.
• Lived and worked in the UK for the past 5 years
• Minimum of 3 GCSE including English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

Highly Desirable:

• SIA CCTV Operator License (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working in a government or high-security environment.
• SC Clearance - must be obtained as a condition of your employment.
• Experience using systems such as CCTV, access control platforms and incident reporting tools.

Skills & Capability:

• Fluent in verbal and written English with good communication skills.
• Strong observational and situational awareness skills.
• Ability to follow procedures and instructions accurately.
• Strong IT skills and a good understanding of all MS Office applications.
• Good understanding of health, safety and security best practices.
• Ability to identify and respond to security risks.

Personal Attributes:

• Professional, reliable, and punctual
• Remains calm under pressure with good decision-making ability
• High level of integrity and confidentiality
• Proactive and vigilant approach to security
• Customer-focused with a helpful and approachable manner
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

About You

You will be an experienced security professional with the ability to maintain strong situational awareness in a fast-paced environment. You will be confident in managing access control, responding to incidents, and interacting with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement, and the ability to operate effectively within a high-security setting.

All candidates for this role will attend a general fitness medical, which includes an eyesight test, hearing test, step test and advice on your Body Mass Index (BMI) – but do not worry, you don't need to be a high-performing athlete. Please note, we're not looking for a specific ‘type' of person. We're committed to ensuring all candidates, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, and perspectives are given the support and training they need to thrive in this role.

Training & Development

You will receive structured site-specific training and ongoing development, including:

• Operational procedures and security protocols
• Security systems (CCTV, access control, alarms)
• Conflict management and de-escalation techniques
• Fire safety and First Aid
• Opportunity to gain additional qualifications (including CCTV licence)
• Ongoing development and career progression within Mitie

Pre-Employment Requirements

All successful candidates will be required to complete:

• Fitness medical (including eyesight, hearing, and fitness test)
• Drug and alcohol screening
• Security vetting and clearance (SC)

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. It is designed to assess your suitability against the requirements of the role at each stage.

To be considered, applicants must successfully complete each stage of the process outlined below:

Please note that you must successfully pass each stage to progress to the next.

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