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Security Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Security Officer, or Security Guard, ensures the safety of the area they are assigned to watch. Their duties include monitoring the premises, responding to emergency situations and keeping track of all incidents on-site.

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Security Officer duties and responsibilities

Depending on the working environment and area, duties and responsibilities will vary. In general, a Security Officer will perform the following tasks:

  • Patrolling and securing the area.
  • Monitoring and analysing CCTV camera footage.
  • Guarding valuables in a secure area.
  • Protecting the company’s assets relative to theft, assault, fire and other safety issues
  • Responding to alarms and emergencies.
  • Communicating any irregularities with management.
  • Keeping an incident report record.
  • Following procedures for various initiatives including fire prevention, traffic control and accident investigations
  • Checking visitors in and out of the area.
  • Escorting visitors around the premises.
  • Ensuring compliance with government regulations
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Security Officer Job Description Examples:

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:

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Security Officer job description FAQs

Who does a Security Officer report to?

This depends on the size of the company they are working for. A small office may only need one or two Security Officers where the only person to report to would be the fellow Security Officer and the other people within the building. A large company may have multiple Security Officers covering a large number of shifts. In this situation, a Security Officer still may not have to physically report to anyone, but must leave detailed notes and observations for the next officer on shift or give the notes to a Senior Security Officer.

How can you make your Security Officer description stand out?

The position of a Security Officer is usually in high demand, so employees may move around to different companies. In the job description, highlight what makes working at this company interesting and worthy of long-term employment. Highlight any opportunities if they exist, to eventually become a supervisor or Chief Security Officer. Also emphasise any responsibilities or duties that would benefit an employee to learn about before setting up their own security company.

Do Security Officers have different responsibilities in different industries?

Yes, this will affect the qualifications necessary for the position. Some Security Officer positions for large campuses will require the candidate to work in different weather conditions and be in relatively good physical shape. Other positions may involve driving, and therefore a valid driver’s license is needed. Be sure to specify the exact working environment in the job description.

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