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Security Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Security Officer is responsible for deterring criminal activity and enforcing rules on an assigned property or location. Their duties include protecting property, monitoring surveillance cameras and alarms, and patrolling areas to do security checks.

 

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Security Officer duties and responsibilities

A Security Officer is responsible for the safety and security of their clients’ properties. Some of their primary duties and responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the safety of clients’ property and personnel
  • Developing and implementing standard operating procedures for reporting, and dealing with incidents when applicable
  • Understanding client security needs, site-specific regulations, equipment, and existing security protocols about fire, theft, or break-in situations
  • Ensuring the implementation of standard security protocols
  • Detecting and reporting any irregularities and bringing up suggestions for improvement
  • Carrying out duties while maintaining excellent standards of customer care
  • Immediate response to emergencies whenever necessary to assist clients
  • Following required procedures related to fire prevention, property patrol, traffic control, and other related investigations
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Security Officer Job Description Examples:

What does a Security Officer do?

A Security Officer works in various settings such as educational institutions, workplaces, shopping malls, events, and hubs of transportation such as train stations and airports. Their primary role is to ensure public safety, deter criminal activities, and protect property. They can often be seen on foot patrol or using special mobile devices and surveillance equipment. Also, a Security Officer may be required to provide protection for equipment and workers in factories or offices, while checking the credentials of all visitors.

Security Officer skills and qualifications

A Security Officer must always be alert, while having the ability to detect anything that seems unusual or suspicious. Examples of the skills and qualifications a Security Officer should have include:

  • Rigorous and appropriate training and certifications related to security work
  • Sound knowledge on municipal, provincial, federal, as well client or site-specific laws and regulations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Detail-oriented, with a keen sense of observation
  • Sound understanding of security-specific protocols and procedures
  • Good judgement to identify the best course of action when faced with dangerous situations
  • Patience and tolerance for being able to spend long periods observing
  • Proactive capability to follow complex instructions

Security Officer experience requirements

The ideal candidate for a Security Officer position usually has prior work experience in security and surveillance. They are also familiar with video monitoring technology and safety protocols. Additionally, they are expected to be well-prepared in emergency situations, and must tackle stressful events with a calm demeanor while responsibly handling a crowd, and guide them to safety routes and exits, when needed.

Security Officer education and training requirements

A Security Officer generally possesses a high school diploma or equivalent, and candidates who possess a security-related course from a college or a university may be preferred. Security Officers may also need to undergo on-the-job training, which would include specialized skills related to their specific assignment. Positions that involve weapons require Security Officers to undergo weapons training and firearms use testing. In addition, a Security Officer should be well-versed in emergency procedures.

Security Officer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average rate for a Security Officer is $16.88 per hour. This may be dependent on experience, location, and the company or industry hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Security Officer is not quite what you’re looking for, a few other job description samples that may fit your needs include:

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Security Officer job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Security Officer?

A good Security Officer immediately understands when there is a threat or risk to the client or the clients’ property and assets. Security Officers also have comprehensive knowledge about safety procedures and protocols, and what action to take in case of a security breach, a break-in, an attack, or other incident. A Security Officer also knows how to operate and use security gear, video surveillance and security cameras, and other security equipment.

Why is training important for Security Officers?

Different employers have different types of security requirements. While Security Officers generally have basic security training, candidates may be required to demonstrate specific skills. A good Security Officer must be willing to undergo further development to acquire skills to perform the job effectively.

Who does a Security Officer report to?

A Security Officer who is part of a security team generally reports to the Head of Security. If there is no team, and the Security Officer is solely responsible for providing security services, they may report directly to the client or the client’s representative within a corporate structure.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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