What does a Security Officer do?
A Security Officer surveys the grounds or buildings they in charge of and monitors any abnormal or suspicious activity. They must also help visitors to the area by giving directions on how to get there, as well as perform checks on doors and windows to make sure everything is working on-site. They must be extremely aware of their surroundings and be prepared to investigate and report anything that seems out of the ordinary, or not in compliance with area standards. Security Officers work a traditional work week between 37 and 40 hours and may be expected to work overtime as the job demands and they may work weekends, bank holidays or overnight shifts.
Security Officer skills and qualifications
A Security Officer is a constant and reassuring presence on a company’s premises. A successful Security Officer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications including:
- The ability to work proactively and use intuition
- A thorough and keen attention to detail
- Excellent concentration skills
- The ability to remain alert and aware of surroundings
- An ability to remain patient and calm under pressure
- Understanding of the technology used within the company
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work well with others
Security Officer experience requirements
A candidate should have some previous experience in a customer service based role. They should also have experience communicating clearly with others, as well as writing and analysing behaviour reports. This job may also attract first-time job seekers. In this case, the job applicant should have a clean background check, be over 18 years of age and have the ability to perform all tasks required of the position.
Security Officer education and training requirements
Most Security Officer positions are gained through an apprenticeship or a training course run by a private training organisation. To complete an apprenticeship, the job candidate will need some GCSEs including English and maths. If taking a training course run by a private security company, the company must be approved by the SIA (Security Industry Authority).
Security Officer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Security Officer £9.12 per hour. Salary varies depending on several factors, such as experience, location and the company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If this not exactly the job that needs to be advertised, here are some positions that are similar to that of a Security Officer: